Isomers

Lewis structures

Diagrams that represent the bonding between atoms of a molecule and the lone pairs of electrons.

VSEPR theory

Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion theory; explains the three-dimensional shape of molecules based on electron pair arrangements.

Hybridisation

A quantum mechanical model describing how atomic orbitals mix to form new hybrid orbitals for bonding.

Carbon scaffold

The arrangement of carbon atoms in organic compounds, influencing the position of reactive heteroatoms.

Tetrahedral Geometry

A molecular shape with four bonds arranged around a central atom at approximately 109.5° angles, associated with $sp^3$ hybridisation.

Trigonal Planar Geometry

A molecular shape with three bonds arranged around a central atom at 120° angles, associated with $sp^2$ hybridisation.

Linear Geometry

A molecular shape with two bonds arranged around a central atom at 180° angles, associated with $sp$ hybridisation.

Line Structure

A representation of organic molecules that uses lines to denote bonds, simplifying complex structures.

Condensed Formula

A representation that indicates connectivity in a molecular structure, often bypassing detailed bonding information.

Structural Formula

A detailed two-dimensional representation that shows every atom and bond in a molecule.

Traditional 3-D Representation

Uses wedges and dashes to indicate three-dimensional relationships between atoms in a molecule.

Ball-and-Stick Models

3D models that illustrate the shape and size of molecules, with color-coded atoms.

Space-Filling Models

3D representations that show the volume occupied by electron clouds, obscuring individual bonds.

Isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures or spatial arrangements.

Constitutional Isomers

Isomers that differ in the arrangement of bonds among their atoms.

Stereoisomers

Isomers that have the same connectivity but differ in the three-dimensional arrangement of their atoms.

Enantiomers

Stereoisomers that are non-superposable mirror images of each other.

Diastereoisomers

Stereoisomers that are not mirror images and differ in physical properties.

Chirality

A property of asymmetry where a molecule is not superimposable on its mirror image.

Optical Activity

The ability of chiral molecules to rotate plane-polarized light.

Fischer Projections

A two-dimensional representation of a three-dimensional organic molecule that preserves stereochemical information.

Meso Compound

A compound with multiple stereogenic centers that is superimposable on its mirror image due to internal symmetry.

E/Z System

A naming system for stereoisomers that designates configurations based on the relative positions of substituents around double bonds.

Combustion Reaction

A chemical reaction in which a substance combines with oxygen, producing heat and light, typically carbon dioxide and water as byproducts.

Hybridisation in Functional Groups

The concept pertaining to the types of hybridised orbitals involved in various functional groups in organic compounds.

Chemical Properties of Hydrocarbons

Attributes of hydrocarbons, often characterized by their stability, reactions, and combustion.

Lock and Key Concept

A hypothesis describing the specific interaction between a molecule (the key) and a receptor (the lock), crucial in biochemistry.