3.1 - Introduction To Organic Chemistry Flashcards
What is empirical formula?
The simplest ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.
What is molecular formula? Structural formula?
The actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule. Shows the atom carbon by carbon.
What is a homologous series? What is the formula is an alkane?
Group of compounds that contain the same functional group. They can all be represented by the same general formula. Each successive member of a homologous series differs by a CH2 group.
IUPAC rules?
Pick the longest chain with the most side-chains. Any side-chains or less important functional groups are added as prefixes at the start of the name. Put them in alphabetical order.
Why are IUPAC rules useful?
Scientific ideas can be communicated across the globe more effectively.
What are isomers?
Same molecular formula but the atoms are arranged differently.
What are structural isomers? What are three types?
Same molecular formula but different structural formulas. Chain isomers have different arrangements of the carbon skeleton. Some are straight chains and others branched. E.g butane and methyl propane. Positional isomers have the same skeleton and the same atoms or groups attached. The difference is that the group is attached to a different carbon atom. Functional group isomers have the same atoms arranged into different functional groups e.g an alkene and a cyclohexane.
What are stereoisomers?
Stereoisomers have the same structural formula but a different spatial arrangement. Carbon atoms in a C=C double bond and the atoms bonded to these carbons all lie in the same plane (they’re planar). Double bonds are rigid so there’s restricted rotation around the C=C double bond which causes E/Z isomerism.
What are the priority rules for E/Z isomerism?
The atom with the higher atomic number is given higher priority.
