Chapter 4 Organic Chemistry Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards generated from Chapter 4 organic chemistry lecture notes covering molecular structures, functional groups, hydrocarbons, and lipids.

Molecular formula

A chemical formula that shows the number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

Condensed structure formula

A structural formula that shows all the atoms in a molecule but uses as few bonds as possible.

Lewis structure

A structural representation that shows complete connectivity, including all atoms and all bonds.

Skeletal structure

A structural representation that shows carbon bonds through lines with implied hydrogens, draws non-carbon elements at the end using their symbols (showing hydrogens bonded to them), and omits lone pairs.

Saturated hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons containing only single bonds between carbon and hydrogen, indicating that each carbon atom is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms.

Unsaturated hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons that contain double or triple bonds.

Straight chain alkanes

Unbranched carbon atom chains named based on the number of carbons, using a Greek prefix and the suffix "-ane" for 5 or more carbons.

General formula for alkanes

$$C_n H_{2n+2}$$

Cycloalkanes

Alkanes arranged in rings, named by adding the prefix "cyclo-".

Cyclopropane

The simplest cycloalkane, with the molecular formula $C_3 H_6$.

Heteroatoms

Atoms in organic molecules other than carbon and hydrogen.

Functional group

A specific arrangement of atoms that serves as the reactive part of a molecule and classifies organic molecules based on characteristic properties and reactivity; represented with "R" for any carbon-containing group.

Quaternary amines

Amines that gain a positive charge when they become quaternary.

Terpenes

Compounds containing alkenes that are responsible for smells and flavors.

Alkynes

Unsaturated hydrocarbons containing a carbon-carbon triple bond ($C \equiv C$).

Aromatics

Unsaturated hydrocarbons with noticeable odors that contain a benzene ring with stable, spread-out electrons.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)

Compounds containing multiple fused benzene rings that are formed during the incomplete combustion of organic material, which can damage DNA and increase cancer risk.

Lipids

Fatty acids composed of long hydrocarbon chains attached to a $-COOH$ group.

Saturated fatty acids

Fatty acids containing no carbon-carbon double bonds ($C=C$).

Monounsaturated fatty acids

Fatty acids containing one carbon-carbon double bond ($C=C$).

Polyunsaturated fatty acids

Fatty acids containing two or more carbon-carbon double bonds ($C=C$).

Functions of fats

Functions that include insulating the body, protecting organs, and supporting nerve function.

Thiols

R-SH: sulfur analog of alcohols

Sulfides

R-S-R, sulfur analog of ethers

Disulfides

R-S-S-R, important in protein structure

Phosphate groups

Contain P bonded to multiple oxygens, common in ATP, DNA, and energy transfer

Alcohol

Have classifications depending on how many carbons are attached to its -OH group

Amines

Have classification based on how many carbons attached to nitrogen

Carbonyl Group

C=O: defining feature, surrounding atoms show specific family

Aldehyde

Carbonyl is at end of a chain (bonded to H)

Ketone

Carbonyl within a chain (c=o within carbons)

Carboxylic acid

Carbonyl + -OH on the same carbon

Carboxylate

Depronated acid (-COO-)

Ester

Carbonyl derivative, carbonyl bonded to oxygen (-OR), formed from acids + alcohols, common in fats, oils, fragrances

Amide

Carbonyl derivative, carbonyl bonded to a nitrogen (-NR2), formed from acids + amines, found in proteins (peptide bonds)