Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Flashcards based on Chapter 1: Introduction to Organic Chemistry, covering key definitions, classification of hydrocarbons, functional groups, and alkane properties.

Organic Compound

A compound made from carbon atoms containing one or more carbon atoms, many hydrogen atoms, and potentially oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and halogens.

Properties of Organic Compounds

Characteristics that typically include covalent bonds, low melting points, low boiling points, flammability, solubility in nonpolar solvents, and insolubility in water.

Saturated Organic Compound

An organic compound containing only single bonds between carbon atoms and saturated with hydrogen, such as alkanes.

Unsaturated Organic Compound

An organic compound having one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms, such as alkenes and alkynes.

Alkene

An unsaturated hydrocarbon containing a double bond between adjacent carbon atoms, sharing $4$ electrons.

Alkyne

An unsaturated hydrocarbon containing a triple bond between adjacent carbon atoms, sharing $6$ electrons.

Alkane

A hydrocarbon containing only carbon and hydrogen where all bonds are single bonds, sharing $2$ electrons per bond.

Functional Group

An atom or group of atoms that replaces a hydrogen atom in an alkane and causes the organic molecule to behave in a predictable, similar way.

Homologous Series

A series or family of carbon compounds categorized by a specific functional group, general formula, and characteristic naming suffix.

Expanded Structural Formula

A structural formula in which all individual atoms and bonds are explicitly drawn out.

Condensed Structural Formula

A structural formula that shows each carbon atom along with the hydrogen atoms or attached groups without drawing all individual bonds.

Molecular Formula

A representation that gives the total number of each type of atom in a compound, without indicating how the atoms are arranged.

Combustion Reaction of Alkanes

A reaction in which an alkane reacts with oxygen ($O_2$) to produce carbon dioxide ($CO_2$), water ($H_2O$), and energy in the form of heat.

Primary Carbon ($1^\bullet$)

A carbon atom that is attached directly to only one alkyl group or carbon atom.

Secondary Carbon ($2^\bullet$)

A carbon atom that is attached directly to two alkyl groups or carbon atoms.

Tertiary Carbon ($3^\bullet$)

A carbon atom that is attached directly to three alkyl groups or carbon atoms.

Quaternary Carbon ($4^\bullet$)

A carbon atom that is attached directly to four alkyl groups or carbon atoms.

Alkanes with $1$ to $4$ Carbons

Methane, ethane, propane, and butane, which are gases at room temperature and commonly used as heating fuels.

Alkanes with $5$ to $8$ Carbons

Pentane, hexane, heptane, and octane, which are highly volatile liquids at room temperature used to make gasoline.

Alkanes with $9$ to $17$ Carbons

Alkanes that are liquids at room temperature with higher boiling points, found in kerosene, diesel, and jet fuels.

Alkanes with $18$ or More Carbons

High molar mass alkanes that are waxy solids at room temperature, used in waxy coatings of fruits and vegetables.

Classification of Carbon Atoms in Butyl Groups

Diagram illustrating primary, secondary, and tertiary carbon classifications within butyl, isobutyl, sec-butyl, and tert-butyl groups.