2.5 Organic Vocabulary Review

Vocabulary based on organic chemistry concepts, reactions, and rules including isomerism, reaction types, and reagents.

Functional group

It is a place (a group of atoms) where a reaction takes place.

Homologous series

Compounds with the same functional group but with each successive member differing by $CH_2$. They have similar chemical properties and show a gradual change in physical properties as molar mass increases.

Naming

The process consisting of a Prefix + suffix.

Structural isomers

Molecules with the same molecular formula (same number of each type of atom) but a different arrangement of atoms.

Haloalkane to amine reagent

A substitution reaction using concentrated $NH_3(alc)$.

Geometric (cis-trans) isomers

Isomers that occur in a molecule that has a $C=C$ double bond which restricts rotation, and must have two different groups bonded to each carbon atom of the $C=C$ double bond.

Substitution reaction

A chemical reaction where one atom(s) is replaced by another atom(s).

Physical properties

Properties observed and measured without changing the composition of the substance (reversible with no new product), and are determined by chain length.

Chemical properties

Properties observed when a chemical change occurs (an irreversible change with a new product formed), and are determined by the functional group.

Elimination reaction

A reaction where an atom(s) is removed from one carbon atom and another atom(s) is removed from an adjacent carbon atom to form an unsaturated molecule.

Alcohol to haloalkane reagents

A substitution reaction using $PCl_3$ or $PCl_5$ or $SOCl_2$.

Oxidation reaction

The transfer of electrons from the oxidised species to the reduced species.

Saytzeff’s rule

To explain the major product, the hydrogen that is removed from the adjacent carbon atom that has the least number of hydrogen atoms will form the major product.

Addition reaction

A reaction where a double bond is broken and two new single covalent bonds are formed; atoms are added to each carbon atom of the original double bond to form a saturated molecule.

Haloalkane to alkene reagents

An elimination reaction using reagent $NaOH(alc)$ or $KOH(alc)$.

Alcohol to alkene reagent

An elimination reaction using conc. $H_2SO_4$ as a dehydrating agent.

Haloalkane to alcohol reagents

A substitution reaction using $NaOH(aq)$ or $KOH(aq)$.

Polymer

A large molecule made up of repeating units called monomers.

Addition polymerisation

The process where the $C=C$ double bond of each monomer is broken, and new single bonds are formed between the monomers to join them into long repeating chains.

Primary (Haloalkanes/Alcohols)

The atom(s) is bonded to a carbon that is bonded to one other carbon.

Secondary (Haloalkanes/Alcohols)

The atom(s) are bonded to a carbon that is bonded to two other carbons.

Tertiary (Haloalkanes/Alcohols)

The atom(s) is bonded to a carbon that is bonded to three other carbons.

Primary Amine

An amine where one carbon atom is bonded to the nitrogen atom.

Alkene to alcohol reagent

An addition reaction using $H_2O$ with $H^+$ (dilute acid).

Alkane to haloalkane conditions

Reaction with $Cl_2$ or $Br_2$ and UV light (a catalyst), showing a change from pale orange to colourless.

Oxidation reagents (Cr2O7 2-/H+)

An oxidation reagent that changes from orange to green.

Oxidation reagents (MnO4 -/H+)

An oxidation reagent that changes from purple to colourless.

Strong acid

Acids such as $HCl$, $H_2SO_4$, and $HNO_3$ that fully dissociate and donate all protons to water, acting as strong electrolytes.

Markovnikov's rule

To explain the major product, the hydrogen atom will add to the carbon atom of the double bond that has the greatest number of hydrogen atoms.

Alkene to haloalkane reagents

An addition reaction using $HCl$, $HBr$, $Cl_2$, or $Br_2$.

Alkene to diol

An oxidation reaction using neutral $MnO_4^-$ to form brown $MnO_2$.

Test for saturation (Bromine water)

Adding $Br_2(aq)$: orange-brown colour to colourless immediately if an alkene is present (stays orange-brown if alkane).

Test for saturation (Acidified KMnO4)

Acidified $KMnO_4$ turns from purple to colourless solution if alkene is present (to diol), and stays purple if alkane.

Alkene to alkane reagents

An addition reaction using $H_2$ with $Ni$ or $Pt$ catalyst.

Weak acid

Carboxylic acids that partially dissociate and donate some protons to water, acting as weak electrolytes.