U2- Carbon Alchemists Definitions

I can state reasons why carbon is unique in that it can form more compounds than the sum of all the other elements’ compounds.

• Carbon can form single, double & triple bonds

• Carbon bonds are very stable, and can form a vast number of compounds because of their ability to form strong covalent bonds with themselves 

  • This enables carbon to form long, straight, ringed, and branched chains, and thus an infinite variety of carbon compounds. 

What is a functional group?

A functional group is an atom or a group of atoms in an organic molecule responsible for the compound's chemical and physical properties. It is a site of reactivity in a molecule. 

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated compounds?

A saturated compound is where all carbon to carbon bonds are single; an unsaturated compound contains one or carbon to carbon bond that is a double or triple.

What is a homologous series?

A homologous series is a group of organic compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties. Members of a homologous series have a general formula and differ from each other by a repeating unit, most commonly a methylene (CH2) group. 

Features of members of a homologous series

• Same general formula

• Similar chemical properties

• As the chain length increases, it can affect the reactivity of any functional groups present so the reactions can change subtly

• Gradually changing physical properties such as density, melting point & boiling point

• These properties are influenced by chain length so they will change as the chain gets longer.

isomer

Isomers are molecules with the same molecular formulas, but different arrangements of atoms.

Structural isomer

Molecules with the same molecular formulas but different connectivities or bonding patterns