Organic chemistry- the basics

define the homologous series?

a series of organic compounds with the same functional group but with each successive member differing by CH2

Define functional group?

a group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound

where is the functional group attached?

they are attached to a point on the carbon backbone

how do molecules with the same functional group react?

they react in a similar way

define aliphatic?

a compound containing carbon and hydrogen joined together in straight chains, branched chains or non-aromatic rings

define alicyclic?

an aliphatic compound arranged in non-aromatic rings with or without side chains

define aromatic?

a compound containing a benzene ring

what is the general formula of alkanes?

CnH2n+2

define saturated?

single carbon–carbon bonds only

define unsaturated?

the presence of multiple carbon–carbon bonds, including C=C, C C / and aromatic rings

How to test for an alkene/ unsaturated hydrocarbon?

Test with bromine water, unsaturated hydrocarbons decolourise bromine water from orange to colourless

Name the 1st 10 alkanes?

1. Methane

2. Ethane

3. Propane

4. Butane

5. Pentane

6. Hexane

7. Heptane

8. Octane

9. Nonane

10. Decane

what does the stem indicate?

the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain

what does the prefix indicate?