Organic Chemistry - Basic Concepts Flashcards
Define empirical formula …
Lowest whole number ratio of the elements forming a compound.
What is molecular formula ?
What is an element ?
An element is a substance that can’t be broken down by non-nuclear reactions.
What is a strong acid ?
An acid that fully dissociates into its constituent ions when dissolved in solutions/water.
What is a weak acid ?
Acids that don’t completely dissociate into it’s constituent ions when dissolved in solutions - only partially dissociate in water.
What is a strong base ?
A base that has an ability to remove a proton from a very weak acid.
They completely dissociate into its ions when in water.
What is a weak base ?
A base that upon dissolution in water, does not dissociate completely.
What does the longer arrow in an equilibrium equation suggest ?
The longer arrow shows which side the equilibrium favors.
What is an AMPHIPROTIC SOLVENT ?
A self ionizing solvent which possesses both characteristics of bronsted acids and bases.
Why can water (H20) be an acid or a base ?
It can be either an acid or a base in solution as it undergoes auto-ionization.
What does BASICITY relate to ?
The ability of a compound to use its non bonding electrons to combine with a proton.
What is auto-ionization ?
A process by which an atom or a molecule in an excited state spontaneously emits on of the outer-shell electrons.
