Chapter 11 Basic Concepts and Hydrocarbons

Question 1

What are the IUPAC rules?

Answer 1

A set of universal nomenclature rules for naming organic compounds

Question 2

What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon?

Answer 2

Carbon atoms are joined to each other in unbranched (straight) or branched chains, or non-aromatic rings

Question 3

What is an Alicyclic hydrocarbon?

Answer 3

Carbon atoms are joined to each other in ring structures, with or without branches

Question 4

What is an aromatic hydrocarbon?

Answer 4

Some or all of the carbon atoms are found in a benzene ring

Question 5

What does the term ‘general formula’ mean?

Give an example

Answer 5

The simplest algebraic formula of a member of a homologous series

e.g. alkane
CnH2n+2

Question 6

What does the term ‘structural formula’ mean?

Give an example using butane

Answer 6

The minimal detail that shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule

E.g. butane
CH3(CH2)2CH3

Question 7

What does the term ‘displayed formula’ mean?

Answer 7

The relative position of atoms and the bonds between them

Question 8

What does the term ‘skeletal formula’ mean?

Answer 8

The simplified organic formula, shown by removing hydrogen atoms from alkyl chains, leaving just a carbon skeleton and associated functional groups

Question 9

What does the term ‘homologous series’ mean?

Answer 9

A series of organic compounds having the same functional group but with each successive member differing by CH2

Question 10

What does the term ‘functional group’ mean?

Answer 10

A group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound

Question 11

What is the general formula of an alkyl group?

Answer 11

CnH2n+1

Question 12

What does the term ‘saturated’ mean?

Answer 12

Single carbon-carbon bonds only

Question 13

What does the term ‘unsaturated’ mean?

Answer 13

The presence of multiple carbon-carbon bonds

including: double, triple and aromatic rings

Question 14

What does the term ‘structural isomers’ mean?

Answer 14

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae

Question 15

What is homolytic bond fission?

Answer 15

Each bonding atom receives one electron from the bonded pair, forming two free radicals

Question 16

What is heterolytic bond fission?

Answer 16

One bonding atom receives both electrons from the bonding pair forming a positive and negative ion

Question 17

What is a ‘radical’? How are they represented in a reaction mechanism?

Answer 17

A species with an unpaired electron. In reaction mechanisms they are displayed with a dot to symbolise the electron

Question 18

What is a ‘curly arrow’? How are they used to represent homolytic bond fission?

Answer 18

They describe the movement of an electron pair showing either heterolytic fission of the formation of a covalent bond.

To represent homolytic fission a half arrow (fish hook) is used to show the movement of one electron