Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alkynes: Naming and Classification

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts related to the classification and naming of alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, based on the student's lecture notes.

Alkane

An organic molecule consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms, connected by single bonds.

Constitutional Isomers

Molecules that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms.

Alkyl Halide

An organic compound containing a halogen atom attached to a carbon chain.

Hydrocarbon

An organic compound consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon.

Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

Organic molecules that contain at least one double or triple bond between two carbon atoms, including alkenes and alkynes.

Cis Isomers

Isomers in which identical groups are on the same side of the double bond.

Trans Isomers

Isomers in which identical groups are on opposite sides of the double bond.

Markovnikov’s Rule

When adding HX to an alkene, the hydrogen atom attaches to the carbon with the greater number of hydrogen atoms already attached.

Substituent

A side group or branch attached to the main carbon chain.

Parent Chain

The longest continuous chain of carbon atoms in a molecular structure.

Di-

A prefix used to indicate that there are two identical substituents.

Hydrogenation

A reaction where hydrogen is added to an alkene or alkyne, converting it to an alkane.

Halogenation

A reaction where halogens are added to an alkene, converting the double bond to a single bond and forming dihalo alkanes.

Hydrohalogenation

A reaction where hydrogen halides add across the double bond of an alkene.

Alkene

An organic compound containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond.

Alkyne

An organic compound containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond.

Cycloalkane

A type of alkane that contains a ring of carbon atoms.

Naming Convention for Alkanes

Names are derived from the number of carbon atoms, using the suffix '-ane' for alkanes.

Naming Convention for Alkenes

Names are derived from the longest continuous chain containing the double bond, using the suffix '-ene'.

Naming Convention for Alkynes

Names are derived from the longest continuous chain containing the triple bond, using the suffix '-yne'.

Ethenol

Hydration product of ethene, having an -OH group.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.

Reactants and Products

The starting materials of a reaction (reactants) and the substances formed as a result (products).

Branched alkane

An alkane that has one or more alkyl groups attached to the main carbon chain.

Aromatic

They are ring-shaped molecules with delocalized electrons, exhibiting unusual stability—Hückel's rule (4𝑛+2 pi electrons).

Benzene

The simplest aromatic hydrocarbon, consisting of a six-carbon ring with alternating single and double bonds, exhibiting delocalized electrons.

What is the name of the alkane with 1 carbon atom?

Methane

What is the name of the alkane with 2 carbon atoms?

Ethane

What is the name of the alkane with 3 carbon atoms?

Propane

What are the names of straight-chain and cyclic alkanes with 4 carbon atoms?

Butane (straight-chain) / Cyclobutane (cyclic)

What are the names of straight-chain and cyclic alkanes with 5 carbon atoms?

Pentane / Cyclopentane

What are the names of straight-chain and cyclic alkanes with 6 carbon atoms?

Hexane / Cyclohexane