Organic Chemistry - Reactions of Organic Compounds

This set of flashcards covers key terms and definitions related to the reactions of organic compounds in organic chemistry.

Addition Reaction

A reaction in which atoms from a small molecule react with a double or triple bond in an organic molecule and become part of the molecule.

Elimination Reaction

A reaction in which atoms or groups of atoms are removed from an organic molecule, forming a double bond in the molecule.

Substitution Reaction

A reaction in which an atom or small group is replaced by another atom or small group on the organic molecule.

Condensation Reaction

A reaction where two large molecules combine to form one larger molecule and a very small molecule, usually water.

Esterification Reaction

A type of condensation reaction in which a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol to form an ester and water.

Hydrolysis Reaction

The reverse of a condensation reaction, where a molecule is broken apart through the addition of a water molecule.

Oxidation Reaction

A reaction in which a carbon atom forms more bonds to oxygen, or fewer bonds to hydrogen.

Reduction Reaction

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

Combustion Reaction

A reaction in which a compound reacts with oxygen to produce oxides of the elements that make up the compound.

Monomer

The basic building block of polymers, which can be linked together to form large molecules.

Polymer

A long molecule consisting of repeating units called monomers.

Addition Polymerization

A reaction in which alkene monomers are joined through multiple addition reactions to form a polymer.

Condensation Polymerization

A reaction in which monomers are joined together with the removal of water, forming a polymer.