Organic Chem Yr12 Notes

Define homologous series

A family of compounds containing the same functional group, but having a different carbon chain length.

Each successive member has an additional CH2.

Define functional group

An atom/group of atoms which give the organic compound its chemical properties.

Define hydrocarbon

A compound containing carbon and hydrogen atoms only.

Define saturated

Saturated hydrocarbons contain single carbo-carbon bonds only

Define unsaturated

Unsaturated hydrocarbons contain one or more carbon-carbon double bonds

What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon?

Containing chains

What is an alicyclic hydrocarbon?

Containing rings

What is an aromatic hydrocarbon?

Containing benzene rings

Define molecular formula

The actual number of atoms of the elements present in that compound

Define empirical formula

The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element present in a molecule.

What does the displayed formula show?

All atoms and bonds in a molecule

What does the skeletal formula show?

The shape of the carbon skeleton

What does the structural formula show?

How atoms in a molecule are arranged (does not show the bonds)

What is the general formula of an alkane?

CnH2n+2

What is the general formula of an alkene?

CnH2n

What is the general formula of a chloroalkane?

CnH2n+1Cl

What is the general formula of an alcohol?

CnH2n+1OH

Define structural isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula but a different structural formula

What are the 3 types of structural isomers?

• Positional isomers (different position of functional group)

• Chain isomers (different arrangement of the hydrocarbon chain)

• Functional group isomers (molecules have same molecular formula but different functional groups)

Define stereoisomers

Compounds with the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space

What is E/Z isomerism a result of?

Restricted rotation about the planar carbon-carbon double bond

Give the two conditions for an alkene to exhibit cis/trans isomerism

1. Each carbon atom of the carbon-carbon double bond must be bonded to two different groups

2. At least one of those groups must be the same on both carbon atoms on the double bond