Organic Reactions

Addition Reactions

Reactions where atoms are added to a double or triple bond, breaking one bond to form two new bonds.

Substitution Reactions

Reactions in which a hydrogen atom or functional group is replaced by a different functional group, usually yielding two different products.

Elimination Reactions

Reactions that involve the removal of atoms from a molecule, typically forming a double bond.

Oxidation

A reaction where a carbon atom forms more bonds to oxygen or fewer bonds to hydrogen.

Reduction

A reaction where a carbon atom forms fewer bonds to oxygen or more bonds to hydrogen.

Condensation Reactions

A type of substitution reaction where two organic molecules combine, producing a smaller molecule such as water as a byproduct.

Hydrolysis Reactions

A substitution reaction where water is added to a bond, splitting it in two.

Catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a reaction without being consumed in the process.

Oxidizing Agent

A substance that causes oxidation by gaining electrons or increasing oxidation state, usually represented by the symbol [O].

Reducing Agent

A substance that causes reduction by losing electrons or decreasing oxidation state, usually represented by the symbol [H].

Hydroxyl Group

A functional group (-OH) consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom.

Functional Group

A specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.