Organic Chemistry - Introduction (IGCSE Topics 11.1 and 11.2)

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the foundational definitions, nomenclature rules, and general formulas for organic chemistry introductory topics 11.1 and 11.2.

Organic chemistry

A branch of chemistry that studies carbon containing substances.

Saturated compound

A compound with molecules in which all carbon–carbon bonds are single bonds.

Unsaturated compound

A compound with molecules in which one or more carbon–carbon bonds are not single bonds.

Functional group

An atom or group of atoms that determine the chemical properties of a homologous series.

Homologous series

A family of similar compounds with similar chemical properties due to the presence of the same functional group.

Empirical formula

The simplest integer ratio of the atoms present in a compound.

Molecular formula

A representation that shows the number of each type of element in a molecule.

Structural formula

A representation that shows the structure of the molecule and how the atoms are connected together.

Structural isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulas.

General formula for alkanes

$$C_nH_{2n+2}$$

General formula for alkenes

$$C_nH_{2n}$$

General formula for alcohols

$$C_nH_{2n+1}OH$$

General formula for carboxylic acids

$$C_nH_{2n+1}COOH$$

General formula for alkynes

$$C_nH_{2n-2}$$

Root name: Meth-

The root name for a main carbon chain containing $1$ carbon atom.

Root name: Eth-

The root name for a main carbon chain containing $2$ carbon atoms.

Root name: Prop-

The root name for a main carbon chain containing $3$ carbon atoms.

Root name: But-

The root name for a main carbon chain containing $4$ carbon atoms.

Root name: Pent-

The root name for a main carbon chain containing $5$ carbon atoms.

Root name: Hex-

The root name for a main carbon chain containing $6$ carbon atoms.

Suffix: -ane

The IUPAC naming suffix used for the alkane homologous series.

Suffix: -ene

The IUPAC naming suffix used for the alkene homologous series.

Suffix: -ol

The IUPAC naming suffix used for the alcohol homologous series.

Suffix: -oic acid

The IUPAC naming suffix used for the carboxylic acid homologous series.

Suffix: -alkanoate

The IUPAC naming suffix used for the ester functional group.

Methyl branch

A side chain with the formula $-CH_3$.

Ethyl branch

A side chain with the formula $-C_2H_5$.

Alkenyl group

The functional group found in the alkene series.

Hydroxyl group

The functional group found in the alcohol series.

Carboxyl group

The functional group found in the carboxylic acid series.

Alkyne

A homologous series of unsaturated hydrocarbons containing a $C\equiv C$ triple bond.

Boiling point trend in alkanes

The boiling point increases as the length of the carbon chain increases due to increased molecular size and stronger intermolecular forces.