Topic 10: Core Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Define saturated
Compounds that contain only single bonds. They have the maximum amount of atoms bonded to each carbon.Eg. Alkanes
Define unsaturated
Compounds which contain double or triple bonds. Eg. Alkenes, arenes (Note: compounds that are unsaturated are highly reactive)
Define aliphatics
Compounds which do not contain a benzene ring (i.e. straight-chained). May be saturated or unsaturated.Eg. Alkanes, alkenes
Define arenes
Compounds which contain a benzene ring. All unsaturated.Eg. Benzene, phenol (Phenyl functional group)
Define electrophile
An electron-deficient species that is attracted to parts of molecules that are electron RICH. Attracted to the negative charge. Electrophiles are positive ions or have a partial positive charge.
Define nucleophile
An electron-rich species that is attracted to parts of molecules that are electron DEFICIENT. Attracted to the positive charge. Nucleophiles have a lone pair of electrons or have a negative charge.
Define homolytic fission
When a covalent bond breaks by splitting the shared pair of electrons between the two products. Both atoms get the same number of electrons.X : X –> X˙ + X˙
Define heterolytic fission
When a covalent bond breaks with both of the shared electrons going to one of the products.X : X –> X :⁻ + X⁺
What does a double-barbed arrow represent?
↷It represents the motion of an electron pair.(Drawn from the site of electron availability to the site of electron deficiency)
What does a single-barbed arrow represent?
It represents the motion of a single electron.(Drawn from the site of electron availability to the site of electron deficiency)
Define homologous series
A group of compounds with similar structural features that can be represented with a general formula.
What do the physical properties of organic compounds depend on?
The physical properties, especially melting and boiling point, depend on the strength of the intermolecular forces. This is relative to the carbon chain length. The longer the carbon chain, the stronger the intermolecular forces therefore the higher the melting and boiling point. The functional group also tells us about physical properties (eg. polarity/hydrogen bonding).
Define the empirical formula
The simplest whole number ratio of the atoms in a compound. eg. C₂H₆ is CH₃
Define the molecular formula
The actual number of atoms of the different elements in one molecule of the compound.
Give the number of bonds needed for:HydrogenOxygenNitrogenCarbon Halogens
Hydrogen - 1Oxygen - 2Nitrogen - 3Carbon - 4Halogens - 1
Give the general formula for Alkanes
CₙH₂ₙ+₂