Organic Chemistry Naming

Question 1

Define Organic Molecules

Answer 1

molecules that contain carbon atoms.

Question 2

Define Hydrocarbons

Answer 2

compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms only.

Question 3

Define A functional group

Answer 3

an atom or a distinctive group of atoms that form the centre of chemical activity in the molecule.

Question 4

Define A homologous series

Answer 4

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.

Question 5

Define Isomers

Answer 5

compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae. (They also have different names.)

Question 6

Define Alkanes

Answer 6

contain only single bonds and have the general formula CnH2n + 2.

Question 7

Define Alkenes

Answer 7

contain at least one double bond between two carbon atoms in the chain and have the
general formula CnH2n.

Question 8

Define Alkynes

Answer 8

contain at least one triple bond between two carbon atoms in the chain and have the general formula CnH2n -2.

Question 9

Define Molecular formula

Answer 9

shows how many atoms of each element there are within the molecule e.g. C4H10.

Question 10

Define Structural formula

Answer 10

shows exactly where each atom within the molecule is found

Question 11

Define Condensed structural formula

Answer 11

shows how many hydrogen atoms are connected to each carbon atom e.g.
CH3CH2CH2CH3

Question 12

Define Catenation

Answer 12

the ability of carbon to make bonds with itself.

Question 13

Define A saturated compound

Answer 13

a compound in which all of the bonds between carbon atoms are single bonds.

Question 14

Define An unsaturated compound

Answer 14

a compound in which there is at least one double and/or triple bond between carbon atoms.