4.1.1 Basics of Organic Chemistry

What are cyclic compounds?

Compounds that contain rings of carbon atoms.

Hydrocarbons

Compounds that contain only carbon and hydrogen

Prefixes for 1-10 carbon atoms

Meth-, eth-, prop-, but-, pent-, hex-, hept-, oct-, non-, dec-.

What is a homologous series?

A series of organic compounds with the same functional group

What happens to boiling points in a homologous series as chain length increases?

There is an increase in boiling points.

What functional group is represented by -OH?

Alcohols

What is the general formula for Alkanes?

CnH(2n+2)

What is an aliphatic compound?

A compound containing carbon and hydrogen in straight or branched chains.

What is the empirical formula?

The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.

molecular formula

True number of atoms of each element in a compound

General formula

Simplest algebraic formula of a member of a homologous series. All members of a homologous organic series follow the general formula.

Structural formula

• minimal detail that shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule

• The carboxyl group will be represented as COOH

What is a displayed formula?

A formula showing the relative positioning of atoms and the bonds between them.

What does the term 'skeletal formula' refer to?

A simplified organic formula showing only the carbon skeleton and functional groups.

What is the functional group for Ketones?

R-C(=O)-R'

What is the IUPAC ending for Aldehydes?

-al

What is an alkyl group?

A hydrocarbon chain with the general formula CnH(2n+1).

What is the functional group for Esters?

R-C(=O)-O-R'

What is a functional group

Each homologous series has a functional group that allows that molecule to be recognised. A functional group is a group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound

Alkyl group

An alkyl group is a hydrocarbon chain with the general formula Cn H2n+1.

Aliphatic

An aliphatic compound is a compound containing carbon and hydrogen joined together on straight chains, branched chains or non-aromatic rings

Alicyclic

An alicyclic compound is an aliphatic compound arranged in non-aromatic rings with or without side chains

Aromatic

An aromatic compound is a compound containing fully conjugated ring.