Organic Chemistry (Chemistry for Changing Times, 11e) Chapter 9 Flashcards

Vocabulary-style flashcards covering key terms, definitions, and concepts from the notes on Chapter 9.

Carbon

An element known for forming four bonds and creating diverse, complex structures like long chains and rings.

Organic compound

A compound that contains carbon.

Wöhler (Friedrich Wöhler)

The chemist who first synthesized an organic compound (urea) in a laboratory in 1828.

Tetravalent carbon

Carbon atoms form four covalent bonds.

Saturated hydrocarbon

A hydrocarbon that contains only single bonds between carbon atoms.

Alkane

A saturated hydrocarbon with C–H and C–C single bonds (general formula CnH2n+2).

Methane

The simplest alkane, CH4.

Ethane

An alkane with two carbon atoms, CH3CH3.

Propane

An alkane with three carbon atoms, CH3CH2CH3.

Butane

An alkane with four carbon atoms, CH3CH2CH2CH3.

Propene

An alkene with three carbon atoms.

Cycloalkane

Cyclic hydrocarbon; formula generally CnH2n (saturated ring hydrocarbons).

Cyclopropane

Cycloalkane with three carbons; formula C3H6.

Cyclohexane

Cycloalkane with six carbons; formula C6H12.

Cyclopentane

Cycloalkane with five carbons; formula C5H10.

Propane, benzene, acetylene, and 2-butene (general category)

Examples of hydrocarbons (benzene is aromatic; others are alkanes/alkenes/alkynes).

Aromatic hydrocarbon

Hydrocarbons that contain benzene rings or benzene-like structures with special stability; benzene is the archetype.

Benzene

A cyclic, aromatic hydrocarbon with formula C6H6; ring of carbon atoms with alternating double bonds.

Isomer

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different connectivity or arrangement of atoms.

Structural isomer

Isomers that differ in the connectivity of atoms within the molecule.

Homolog

Compounds in a series that differ by CH2 groups; e.g., alkanes are homologous.

CnH2n+2

General formula for alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons).

CH3CH3 and CH3CH2CH3 relationship

These compounds are homologs in the alkane series, not isomers.

CH2=CH2 (ethylene)

A simple alkene with a carbon–carbon double bond; first member of the alkenes.

Alkene

Hydrocarbon with at least one C=C double bond.

Alkyne

Hydrocarbon with one or more C≡C triple bonds; general formula CnH2n−2.

Acetylene

Ethyne, C2H2; a simple alkyne widely used in welding.

Acetylene’s use in torches

Used with oxygen to produce very hot flames for cutting and welding.

Ethene (ethylene)

C2H4; the simplest alkene and an unsaturated hydrocarbon.

Hydrocarbon

A compound composed of only carbon and hydrogen.

Functional group

A specific group of atoms within molecules that determines characteristic reactions.

Alcohol

Functional group –OH (hydroxyl); compounds containing this group are alcohols.

Phenol

A benzene ring bearing a hydroxyl group directly on the ring.

Ester

Compound with general formula RCOOR′ formed from carboxylic acids and alcohols.

Ether

Compound with general structure R–O–R′; two alkyl groups attached to oxygen.

Aldehyde

Functional group with carbonyl at the end of a carbon skeleton (RCHO).

Ketone

Functional group with carbonyl within the carbon skeleton (RCOR′).

Carboxylic acid

Functional group –COOH; contains a carboxyl group.

Carbonyl group

C=O group found in aldehydes and ketones.

Amine

Organic base containing the amino group –NH2 (or substituted amines).

Amines vs ammonium

Amines are organic bases derived from ammonia, for example, methylamine (CH3NH2).

Amide

A compound formed from the reaction of a carboxylic acid with an amine.

Amino acids

Multifunctional molecules with carboxyl and amine groups; building blocks of proteins.

Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid)

An ester formed from salicylic acid and acetic acid; analgesic.

Esters in flavors/fragrances

Esters are common in flavors and fragrances.

MTBE (methyl tert-butyl ether)

An ether used as a gasoline additive.

Diethyl ether

A classic ether, with general structure R–O–R; important historically as an anesthetic.

Alcohol vs ether similarity/differences

Both contain oxygen; alcohols have hydroxyl groups (ROH) whereas ethers have two alkyl groups on oxygen (ROR′).

Methanol

Simplest alcohol, CH3OH; important solvent and industrial chemical.

Ethanol

Alcohol in beverages; CH3CH2OH; the intoxicating agent in drinks.

Vinegar and acetic acid

Vinegar is a solution of acetic acid (CH3COOH) in water.

Formic acid

The simplest carboxylic acid, HCOOH; present in ant and bee stings.

Butyric acid

Carboxylic acid with a strong, rancid butter odor; present in rancid butter.

Salicylic acid and aspirin

Salicylic acid is a precursor to aspirin, which is acetylsalicylic acid.

Nucleic acids and heterocycles

Heterocyclic compounds are rings containing atoms other than carbon; they are key components of nucleic acids (like pyrimidines and purines).

Heterocyclic compounds

Ring compounds that contain atoms other than carbon in the ring (e.g., nitrogen, sulfur, oxygen).

Alkaloids

Heterocyclic amines found in morphine, caffeine, nicotine, cocaine; plant-based pharmacologically active compounds.

Chlorinated hydrocarbons

Compounds like carbon tetrachloride used as solvents or insecticides historically; many are environmentally hazardous.

Perfluorocarbons

Hydrocarbons in which all hydrogen atoms have been replaced by fluorine; highly inert.

Benzene’s structure and properties

Aromatic ring with alternating double bonds; unusually stable due to resonance.

Ethers vs esters

Ethers have R–O–R′; esters have RCOOR′; different functional groups with distinct odors/uses.

Aqueous acid-base concept (amines in water)

Amines dissolved in water are basic, increasing pH above 7.

Condensed structural formula

A shorthand representation of a molecule showing connectivity without drawing full bonds.

Fractional distillation and ethanol proof

Proof is twice the percent by volume; e.g., 95% ethanol is 190 proof.

Propellants and refrigerants (CFCs)

Chlorofluorocarbons; once used broadly, environmental concerns reduced usage.

Functional group importance

Functional groups determine reactivity and properties, helping organize organic chemistry.