Unit 13 - An introduction to basic organic chemistry

Question 1

Describe structural formula

Answer 1

Shows how many, and the symbols of, atoms bonded to each carbon atom in an organic molecule (e.g. CH₃CH=CHCH₂CH(OH)CH₃)

Question 2

Describe displayed formula

Answer 2

A 2D represenation of an organic molecule showing all its atoms and bonds

Question 3

Define homologous series

Answer 3

A group of organic compounds having the same functional group where each successive member differs by CH₂

Question 4

Define functional group

Answer 4

An atom or group of atoms in an organic molecule which determines its chemical properties

Question 5

Define aliphatic compounds

Answer 5

Straight chain or branched chain organic compounds and also cycle organic compounds (alicylcic) that do not contain Benzene (aromatic)

Question 6

Describe a sigma bond (s)

Answer 6

A single covalent bond formed by the ‘end on’ overlap of atomic orbitals

Question 7

Describe a pi bond (p)

Answer 7

A covalent bond formed by the ‘sideways’ overalp of p and p or p and d atomic orbitals

Question 8

Define a structural isomer

Answer 8

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula

Question 9

Define a stereoisomer

Answer 9

Compounds with the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space

Question 10

Define an optical isomer (enantiomer)

Answer 10

Compounds with mirror images that cannot be superimposed

Question 11

Describe a chiral centre

Answer 11

A carbon atom with four different atoms or groups of atoms attached

Question 12

Define homolytic fission

Answer 12

The breaking of a covalent bond where electrons are shared equally with atoms in the bond

Question 13

Define heterolytic fission

Answer 13

The breaking of a covalent bond where both electrons move onto one of the atoms in the bond

Question 14

Define a carbocation

Answer 14

An alkyl group with a single positve charge on one of its carbon atoms (e.g. CH₃+)

Question 15

Describe inductive effect

Answer 15

The uneven sharing of electrons along a covalent bond. Electron donating species (e.g. alkyl groups) have a positive inductive effect. Electron withdrawing species (e.g. oxygen) have a negative inductive effect

Question 16

Define electrophile

Answer 16

An electron pair acceptor

Question 17

Define nucleophile

Answer 17

An electron pair donator

Question 18

Define an addition reaction

Answer 18

A reaction where two or more molecules combine to give a single product

Question 19

Define an elimination reaction

Answer 19

A reaction where a small molecule (such as H₂O or HCl) is removed from a molecule

Question 20

Define a condensation reaction

Answer 20

A reaction where two molecules join together and in the process eliminate a small molecule ((such as H₂O or HCl)

Question 21

Define a substitution reaction

Answer 21

A reaction that involves the replacement of one atom or group of atoms by another

Question 22

Define an oxidation reaction

Answer 22

The addition of oxygen, removal of electrons or increase in oxidation number of a substance

Question 23

Define a reduction reaction

Answer 23

The removal of oxygen, addition or electrons or decrease in oxidation number of a substance