Organic Chemistry - Introduction Flashcards
what is a hydrocarbon?
a molecule containing only hydrogen and carbon
what is molecular formula?
the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule
what is empirical formula?
the simplest whole number ratio of atoms present in a compound
what is general formula?
the relationship between the number of atoms of one element to another within a molecule. members of a homologous series share the same general formula
what is structural formula?
how the atoms in a molecule are joined together
what is displayed formula?
a full structural formula which shows all the bonds in a molecule as individual lines
what is an isomer?
molecules with the same molecular formula but with a different structure
what is a functional group?
an atom or a group of atoms that determine the chemical properties of a compound
what is a homologous series?
a group of substances with:
- the same general formula
- similar chemical properties because they have the same functional group
- a trend in physical properties
what is a substitution reaction?
in a substitution reaction, an atom or group of atoms is replaced by a different atom or group of atoms
what is an addition reaction?
an addition reaction occurs when an atom or group of atoms is added to a molecule without taking anything away
what is a combustion reaction?
a combustion reaction is another way to say ‘burning’ and is a reaction with oxygen
combustion of hydrocarbons with excess oxygen gives the products water and carbon dioxide and also is exothermic
