Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Organic Molecules
Molecules containing carbon atoms
Hydrocarbons
Compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms only.
Functional Group
An atom or a group of atoms that form the centre of chemical activity in the molecule.
Homologous Series
A series of similar compounds which have the same functional group and have the same general formula in which each member differs from the previous one by a single CH2 unit.
Alkanes
Contain only single bonds and have the general formula CnH2n + 2.
Alkenes
Contain at least one double bond between two carbon atoms in the chain and have the general formula CnH2n.
Alkynes
Contain at least one triple bond between two carbon atoms in the chain and have the general formula CnH2n -2.
Molecular Formula
A chemical formula which shows how many atoms of each element there are within the molecule. e.g. C4H10.
Structural Formula
A diagram which shows exactly where each atom within the molecule is found
Condensed Structural Formula
Shows how many hydrogen atoms, and or other atoms, are connected to each carbon atom. e.g. CH3CH2CH2CH3
Saturated
A compound in which all of the bonds between carbon atoms are single bonds.
Unsaturated
A compound in which there is at least one double and/or triple bond between carbon atoms
Structural Isomers
Compounds with the same molecular formula, but different structural formulae.
VDWaals Forces
Weak intermolecular forces. In Organic chemistry the Weakest type = London forces (dispersion forces) and the stronger type = dipole-dipole forces.
Hydrogen Bonding
Strong intermolecular forces. Found between NH3, H2O and HF molecules. Also found between molecules of alcohols and molecules of carboxylic acids in organic chemistry.
