Basic Concepts Flashcards
Definition of a hydrocarbon
A compound containing hydrogen and carbon atoms only.
What bonds do saturated hydrocarbons contain?
Only single carbon-carbon bonds.
What bonds do unsaturated hydrocarbons contain?
Carbon-carbon multiple bonds.
Definition of a homologous series
A family of molecules possessing the same functional group, where each successive member diffes by -CH2.
Definition of functional groups
An atom or group of atoms that provide the characteristic chemical reactions of a molecule.
Definition of aliphatic hydrocarbons
Carbon atoms joined to each other in unbranched (straight) or branched chains, or non-aromatic rings.
Definition of alicyclic hydrocarbons
Carbon atoms are joined to each other in ring (cyclic) structures, with or without branches.
Definition of aromatic hydrocarbons
Some or all of the carbon atoms are found in a benzene ring.
What are the three homologous series of aliphatic hydrocarbons?
- Alkanes- containing only single carbon-carbon bonds.
- Alkenes- containing at least one double carbon-carbon bond.
- Alkynes- containing at least on triple carbon-carbon bond.
Definition of molecular formula (2 points).
- This shows the number and type of atoms of each elemnt present in a molecule.
- The molecular formula doesn’t show how the atoms are joined together and different molecules can have the same molecular formula.
Definition of empirical formula
This is the simplest whole number ratio of the atoms of each element present in a compound.
Definition of general formula (2 points).
- This is the simplest algebraic formula for any member of a homologous series.
- This formula can be used to generate the molecular formula for any member of that homologous series.
Definition of displayed formula
This shows the relative positioning of all the atoms in a molecule and the bonds between them.
Definition of structural formula (2 points).
- This formula uses the smallest amount of detail necessary to show the arrangement of the atoms in a molecule.
- It shows clearly which atoms are bonded together.
Definition of skeletal formula (3 points).
- This is a simplified organic formula.
- All of the carbon and hydrogen labels from the carbon chains and any bonds to the hydrogens are removed.
- This leaves a carbon skeleton and any functional groups.
Definition of structural isomers
Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
Definition of homolytic fission
Breaking of covalent bond, with each bonding atom recieving one electron from the bonded pair, formig 2 radicals.
What is a radical?
A species with an unpaired electron.
Definition of heterolytic fission
The breaking of a covalent bond with one bonding atom recieving both electrons from the bonded pair, forming a cation and an anion.
Explain what an addition reaction is
Two reactants join togther to form one product.
Explain what a substitution reaction is
An atom or group of atoms is replaced by a different atom or group of atoms.
Explain what an elimination reaction is
Involves the removal of a small molecule from a larger one.
Definition of theoretical yield and equation of percentge yield
The maximum possible amount of product.
% yield = (actual yield / theoretical yield) x 100
Explain why it is difficult to achieve 100% of theoretical yield (3 points).
- The reaction may not have been completed.
- Other reactions may have taken place.
- Purification of the product may result in loss of some product.
