Topic 6 - Organic I Flashcards
(68 cards)
Homologous series
A series of compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties (e.g, alkanes)
Functional group
The group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a particular compound (e.g. COOH for carboxylic acids)
Empirical formula
the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound
Molecular formula
the true number of atoms of each element in a compound
General formula
All members of a homologous organic series follow the general formula e.g. CnH2n+2 for alkanes
Structural formula
shows the structural arrangement of atoms within a molecule without the bonds
Displayed formula
shows every atom and every bond in an organic compound
Skeletal formula
Shows only the bonds in a compound and any non-carbon atoms. The vertices are carbon atoms and hydrogen is assumed to be bonded to them unless stated otherwise.
Addition
reactants combine to form a single product
Substitution
one functional group is replaced by a different one
Elimination
reactions in which two atoms, or groups of atoms, are removed from a molecule to form a new product
Oxidation
when a species loses at least one electron and gains oxygen
Reduction
when a species gains at least one electron and loses oxygen
Hydrolysis
a reaction which uses water to break down a compound
Polymerisation
a reaction in which many small molecules (monomers) join together to form a long, repeating molecule (polymer)
Isomers
molecules with the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms within the molecule
Position isomers
when the functional group of the molecule is in a different position on the carbon chain (e.g., propan-1-ol vs propan-2-ol)
Functional group isomers
isomers that have the same molecular formula but different functional groups (e.g. propanal vs propanone)
Stereoisomerism
molecules with the same molecular and structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space
E isomer
groups are on opposite sides of the double bond
Z isomer
groups are on the same side of the double bond
CIP Priority Rules
The first atom directly bonded to the carbon with the double bond with the highest Ar is given the higher priority
these groups are used to determine if it is the E or Z isomer
cis- trans- isomerism
a special case of E-Z isomerism
can only be used when there are hydrogen atoms to compare the two other groups to
General formula for alkanes
CnH2n+2