1. Introduction Flashcards
What is organic chemistry?
The study of carbon containing compounds, both natural and synthetic
(apart from carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide)
How many covalent bonds is carbon able to form with carbon atoms or non-metals?
4
Why are there so many carbon compounds?
Carbon has the ability to form four covalent bonds with other carbon atoms or non-metals
Why are carbon forms relatively stable compounds?
The C-C bonds are strong and therefore difficult to break
What can carbon compounds be represented using?
- empirical formula
- molecular formula
- general formula
- structural formula
- displayed formula
- skeletal formula
What is an empirical formula?
The simplest ratio of atoms of each element in a compound - may require cancelling numbers down
What is the empirical formula for any simple alkene?
CH2
What is a general formula?
An algebraic formula that can be used to describe any member of a family of compounds
General formula for alkanes?
CnH2n+2
General formula for alkenes?
CnH2n
General formula for alcohols?
CnH2n+1OH
What is a molecular formula?
A formula that gives the total number of atoms of each element in each molecule of a substance
What is a structural formula of an organic compound?
Shows the atoms carbon by carbon, with the attached hydrogens and functional groups
What is the structural formula of propene?
CH3CHCH2
What is the structural formula of chloroethane?
CH3CH2Cl
What is a displayed formula?
Shows how all of the atoms in a compound are arranged and show all of the bonds between them
What is a skeletal formula of an organic compound?
Shows the bonds of the carbon skeleton with only functional groups displayed
Which atoms are never drawn in a skeletal compound?
Carbon and hydrogen
What features of molecules are included when naming them?
- the size and shape of the carbon skeleton
- the presence of functional groups
- the position of functional groups
Why is carbon so important?
- forms long chains and structures
- forms single, double and triple covalent bonds
- forms basis of most organic compounds
What does the carbon skeleton provide the name for?
The ‘backbone’ of the molecule around the rest is constructed
If a molecule’s carbon skeleton consists of 1 carbon atom, what will its name include?
Meth-
If a molecule’s carbon skeleton consists of 2 carbon atoms, what will its name include?
Eth-
If a molecule’s carbon skeleton consists of 3 carbon atoms, what will its name include?
Prop-