Intro to Organic Flashcards by Saleh Taha

What is the general formula for alkanes

CₙH₂ₙ₊₂

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What is the general formula for alkenes

CₙH₂ₙ

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What is the general formula for alcohols

CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH

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What is molecular formula

The actual number of atoms in a molecule or element (e.g. C₂H₆)

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What is empirical formula

The simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a compound

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What is structural formula

The arrangement of atoms in a molecule without showing all the bonds (e.g. Butal-1-ol: CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂OH)

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What is displayed formula

Showing the arrangement of atoms showing all the bonds and atoms in a molecule

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What is a homologous series

A group of compounds which have the same functional group and general formula

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What is the functional group and prefix/suffix for alkanes

suffix: -ane

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What is the functional group and prefix/suffix for alkenes

suffix: -ene

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What is the functional group and prefix/suffix for alcohols

suffix: -ol
Prefix: hydroxy-

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What is the functional group and prefix/suffix for halogenoalkanes

Prefix:
chloro-
bromo-
iodo-

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What is the functional group and prefix/suffix for aldehydes

suffix: -al
Prefix: formyl-

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What is the functional group and prefix/suffix for ketones

suffix: -one
prefix: oxo-

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What is the functional group and prefix/suffix for carboxylic acids

suffix: -oic acid

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What is the functional group and prefix/suffix for esters

suffix: -yl-oate

When compounds contain more than one functional group, how do we name it

The functional group with the highest priority takes the the suffix, whilst all others take the prefix form

What is the order of priority when naming molecules

Cool Angry Elephants Act Awfully Naughty After Kicking All Angry Animals

Highest priority
Carboxylic acid
> Anhydride
> Ester
> Acyl chloride
> Amide
> Nitrile
> Aldehyde
> Ketone
> Alcohol
> Amine
Lowest priority

What is a mechanism

The movement of electrons during a chemical reaction

What do curly arrows represent in a mechanism

The movement of a pair of electrons
Starting from an area with many electrons(e.g. double bond or lone pair) and end where the electrons move to (e.g. formation of a new bond)

What is a structural isomer

Structural isomers have the same molecular formula but a different structural formula

What are the different types of structural isomerism

Chain isomers
Position isomers
Functional group isomers

What is a chain isomer

Same molecular formula but a different arrangement of the carbon skeleton (e.g. pentane & 2-mehtylbutane)

What is a position isomer

Same molecular formula but different position of the functional group on the carbon skeleton (e.g. pent-1-ol and pent-2-ol)

What is a functional group isomer

Same molecular formula but different functional group (e.g. pent-1-ene and cyclopentane)

What is a stereoisomer

Stereoisomers have the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space

Give 2 examples of stereoisomers

E-Z isomers Optical isomers

Explain how E-Z isomers arise

Occurs when we have 2 different atoms or groups of atoms on the same double bonded carbon The C=C bond and atoms bonded directly to this are planar (flat) Atoms cant rotate around the C=C bond as it is rigid This means E-Z isomers arise

What is an E isomer

When the same groups are opposite the C=C

What is a Z isomer

When the same groups are on the same side of the C=C

When do we use CIP (Cahn-Ingold-Prelog) rules when naming an EZ isomer

When we have 4 different groups around a double bond

How do we use CIP (Cahn-Ingold-Prelog) rules when naming an EZ isomer

Go along across each group on each carbon of the c=c until there is a difference in atoms. Atom with the highest atomic number means that group takes priority (ie from top and bottom on RHS decide which takes priority then do same with RHS) If the atoms/groups with the highest priority on C1 and C2 of the C=C are on the same side then its Z, if opposite then E

What effect can EZ isomers have on physical properties

Can affect boiling point and polarity For example

What is a free radical

A reactive species which possesses an unpaired electron

What is homolytic fission

The movement of a pair of electrons in a bond to two separate atoms forming two free radicals

What is heterolytic fission

The movement of a pair of electrons in a bond to one atoms forming one free radical

Where do curly arrows always start

From a lone pair of electrons or the centre of a bond

How does Cl2 break in the atmosphere to form radicals which catalyse the breakdown of ozone

Cl-Cl bonds broken Via homolytic fission

How do we calculate empirical formula

🔢 Steps to Calculate Empirical Formula Write down the masses or % composition of each element. (If percentages, treat it like grams out of 100 g.) Divide each mass by the element’s atomic mass (Ar) → This gives you the moles of each element. Divide all mole values by the smallest number of moles → This gives you a simple ratio. Multiply to get whole numbers (if needed) → Multiply all ratios by the same number (2, 3, etc.) if you get decimals like 1.5 or 2.33. Write the formula → Use the whole number ratio as subscripts. 🧪 Example: 60% Mg, 40% O Mg: 60 ÷ 24 = 2.5 mol O: 40 ÷ 16 = 2.5 mol Ratio: 2.5 : 2.5 → 1 : 1 Empirical formula = MgO