Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Flashcards covering key concepts in organic chemistry, including functional groups, nomenclature, hybridization, reaction types, and molecular structure.

What is the focus of organic chemistry?

The chemistry of carbon compounds

Why can carbon form a vast number of compounds?

Because it can form strong covalent bonds with itself, enabling long chains, branched chains, or cycles.

How many covalent bonds does carbon always form?

Four covalent bonds, which can be single, double, or triple bonds.

What is a functional group?

A specific atom or group of atoms which confer certain physical and chemical properties onto a molecule.

How are organic molecules classified?

By the dominant functional group on the molecule.

What is a homologous series?

Organic compounds with the same functional group, but with each successive member differing by CH2.

What are alkanes?

The simplest hydrocarbons with no functional group, made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded to each other with single covalent bonds.

What determines the physical and chemical properties of molecules?

Functional groups

What is a homologous series?

A family of similar compounds with similar chemical properties due to the presence of the same functional group.

What is the general formula for alkanes?

CnH2n+2

What does the molecular formula show?

The actual number of atoms of each element in a compound.

What does the structural formula show?

The structural arrangement of atoms within a molecule.

What does the displayed formula show?

Every atom and every bond in an organic compound.

What does the skeletal formula show?

Only the bonds in a compound and any non-carbon atoms. Vertices are carbon atoms, and hydrogen is assumed to be bonded to them unless stated otherwise.

When naming branched alkanes, what is important to remember?

The numbering system always gives the lowest possible number in the name. If there is more than one of the same alkyl side-chain or functional groups, di- (for two), tri- (for three) or tetra- (for four) is added in front of its name.

When naming alkanes with multiple branches, what is important to remember?

If there is more than one type of alkyl side-chain, they are listed in alphabetic order.

What are the two types of bonds that form when forming a covalent bond?

Sigma bonds (σ) and Pi bonds (π)

What is the shape and bond angle of sp3 hybridized carbon molecules?

Tetrahedral arrangement with bond angles of 109.5 degrees.

What is the shape and bond angle of sp2 hybridized carbon molecules?

Planar arrangement with bond angles of 120°

What is the shape and bond angle of sp hybridized carbon molecules?

Linear arrangement with bond angles 180°

Define a planar molecule

A molecule where all its atoms lie in the same plane. Examples include linear, trigonal planar, and square planar molecules.

What is a nucleophile?

An electron-rich species that can donate a pair of electrons (nucleus/positive charge loving).

What is an electrophile?

An electron-deficient species that can accept a pair of electrons (electron/negative charge loving).

Define an addition reaction.

An organic reaction in which two (or more) molecules combine to give a single product with no other products.

Define a substitution reaction.

A reaction that involves replacing an atom or group of atoms with another atom or group of atoms.

Define an elimination reaction.

A reaction in which a small molecule (such as H₂O or HCI) is removed from an organic molecule.

Define a hydrolysis reaction.

A reaction in which a compound is broken down by water (it can also refer to the breakdown of a substance by dilute acids or alkalis).

Define a condensation reaction.

A reaction in which two organic molecules join together and in the process eliminate small molecules (such as H₂O or HCI).

Define an oxidation reaction.

A reaction in which oxygen is added, electrons are removed, or the oxidation number of a substance is increased. In organic chemistry, it often refers to the addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen atoms to a substance.

Define a reduction reaction.

A reaction in which oxygen is removed, electrons are added, or the oxidation number of a substance is decreased. In organic chemistry, it often refers to the removal of oxygen or addition of hydrogen atoms to a substance.

Define an Electrophilic addition reaction

An electrophilic addition reaction is a reaction in which an electron rich region in a molecule is attacked by an electrophile (a species that likes electrons/negative charge) followed by the addition of a small molecule to give one product only

Define a Nucleophilic substitution reaction

A nucleophilic substitution reaction is a reaction in which an electron-rich nucleophile displaces a halogen atom

Define a Nucleophilic addition reaction

A nucleophilic addition reaction is a reaction in which a nucleophile (a species that likes a nucleus/positive charge) attacks an electron-deficient region in a molecule followed by the addition of a small molecule to give one product only