organic chemistry (GREEN sheet)

organic molecules

organic molecules as molecules containing carbon atoms

molecular formula

a chemical formula that indicates the type of atoms and the correct number of each in a molecule

structural formula

A structural formula of a compound shows which atoms are attached to which within the molecule. Atoms are represented by their chemical symbols and lines are used to represent ALL the bonds that hold the atoms together.

condensed structural formula

This notation shows the way in which atoms are bonded together in the molecule, but DOES NOT SHOW ALL bond lines.

hydrocarbon

organic compounds that consist of hydrogen and carbon only

homologous series

a series of organic compounds with the same functional group that can be described by the same general formula.

saturated compounds

compounds in which there are no multiple bonds between C atoms in their hydrocarbon chains.

unsaturated compounds

compounds with one or more multiple bonds between C atoms in their hydrocarbon chains.

functional group

a bond or an atom or a group of atoms that determine(s) the physical and chemical properties of a group of organic compounds.