Organic Chemistry: Stereoisomers, Reactions, and Hydrocarbons

These flashcards cover key terminology and concepts from organic chemistry related to stereochemistry, reaction mechanisms, and the properties of hydrocarbons.

Stereoisomers

Compounds with the same chemical formula but different orientations of atoms in three-dimensional space.

Geometric Isomers

Isomers that differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms in three-dimensional space, e.g., cis-trans isomers.

Conformational Isomers

Isomers that differ in the rotation about a bond.

Optical Isomers

Isomers that have similar bonds but form non-superimposable mirror images, e.g., enantiomers.

Chiral Center

A carbon atom bonded to four different groups, creating non-superimposable mirror images.

Dextrorotatory

Compounds that rotate plane-polarized light to the right.

Levorotatory

Compounds that rotate plane-polarized light to the left.

Nucleophile

An electron-rich species that donates electrons in a reaction.

Electrophile

An electron-poor species that accepts electrons in a reaction.

Substitution Reaction

A reaction where two reactants exchange parts to give two new products.

Addition Reaction

A reaction where two reactants combine to form a single product without leftovers.

Elimination Reaction

A reaction where a single reactant splits into two products, often yielding a byproduct.

SN1 Mechanism

A substitution nucleophilic unimolecular mechanism that involves a two-step process.

SN2 Mechanism

A substitution nucleophilic bimolecular mechanism that occurs in a single step without intermediates.

Hydrogenation

The addition of hydrogen to a molecule, typically breaking a double bond.

Alkane

A saturated hydrocarbon containing only single bonds between carbon atoms.

Alkene

An unsaturated hydrocarbon with at least one double bond between carbon atoms.

Alkyne

An unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one triple bond between carbon atoms.

Bromine Test

A test for unsaturation where bromine solution decolorizes in the presence of alkenes or alkynes.

Loss of H Bond (Acid Reaction)

In acid-base reactions, acids lose hydrogen while bases gain it.

Conjugate Acid

The species formed when a base gains a proton.

Conjugate Base

The species formed when an acid loses a proton.

Alkyl Halides

Derivatives of alkanes where hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen atoms.

Homolytic Bond Cleavage

Type of bond breakage that results in two radicals.

Reaction Mechanism

An overall description detailing the stages and order of bond-making and bond-breaking in a chemical reaction.

London Dispersion Forces

Weak intermolecular forces present in hydrocarbons due to temporary dipoles.