4(a) Introduction Flashcards
organic chemistry?
the scientific study of the structure, proporties and reactions of organic compounds (which are those which contain carbon (not CO2, carbon monoxide and metal carbonates)
hydrocarbon?
a compound that contains only hydrogen and carbon atoms
empirical formulae?
simplest possible ratio of the atoms in a molecule
molecular formulae?
actual number of atoms in a molecule
general formulae?
ratio of atoms in a family of compounds (terms of n)
displayed formulae?
drawing
structural formulae?
e.g CH3CH2CH2CH3
Homologous series?
series or family of organic compounds that have similar features and chemical proporties due to them having the same functional group
what do all the members of the same homologous series have in common?
- general formulae
- functional group
- similar chemical properties
- range in their physical properties
- difference between consecutive member is CH2 (molecular formula)
functional group?
a group of atoms based in a specific arrangement that influences the properties of the homologous series
isomerism?
isomers have the same molecular formulae but different displayed formulae
how do you name organic compounds?
prefix tells you how many carbon toms are present in the longest continuous chain
suffix tells you the functional group
way to remember how to name compounds?
Meth (monkeys)
Eth (eat)
Prop (peanut)
Butt (butter)
- rest follows the shapes
substitution?
the reaction that takes place when one functional group is replaced by another (e.g. methane reacts with bromine water under ultraviolet light)
addition?
takes place when two or more molecules combine to form a larger molecule with no other products
combustion?
the scientific term for burning. An organic substance reacts with O2 to form Co2 or carbon monoxide if incomplete combustion (+ water).
(e.g alkenes burn when heated in air of O2)
incomplete combustion?
there is a limited supply of air/O2 so carbon monoxide is formed instead of CO2
