Organic Determination of Empirical Formula and Related Topics

These flashcards cover key concepts and terminologies related to the organic determination of empirical formulas, nomenclature, functional groups, reactions of alcohols, and the principles of isomerism.

Empirical formula

A formula that gives the simplest whole-number ratio of elements in a compound.

Molecular formula

A chemical formula that shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

Law of definite proportions

A chemical compound contains its component elements in fixed ratio by mass.

Conservation of matter

In a chemical reaction, matter is neither created nor destroyed; the total mass remains constant.

Isomers

Compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas.

Alcohol

Organic compounds containing one or more hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups.

Primary alcohol

An alcohol where the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to only one other carbon atom.

Secondary alcohol

An alcohol where the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to two other carbon atoms.

Tertiary alcohol

An alcohol where the hydroxyl group is attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to three other carbon atoms.

Esterification

A reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid to form an ester and water.

Functional groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.

Catalyst

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

Reflux

A laboratory technique involving the heating of a reaction mixture while continuously condensing and returning vapor to the mixture.

Mild oxidation

Oxidation of an organic compound that occurs without breaking down its carbon chain.

Hydroxyl group

The functional group -OH, characteristic of alcohols.

Ester group

The functional group -COO-, which is found in esters.

Aldehyde group

The functional group -CHO, characteristic of aldehydes.

Carbonyl group

A carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, found in both aldehydes and ketones.

Carboxyl group

The functional group -COOH, characteristic of carboxylic acids.