Theme 4: Organic Chemistry and Analysis

General Formula

Formula applied to chemicals in the same family, such as Alkanes (Cn H2n+2), Alkenes (Cn H2n), and Alcohols (Cn H2n+1).

Displayed Formula

Representation showing all atoms and bonds in a molecule.

Structural Formula

Depicts the arrangement of atoms in a molecule without showing all bonds.

Condensed Formula

Each Carbon atom listed separately along with attached atoms, like CH3C(C2H6)CH(C2H5)CH2CH2CH2 for C6H14.

Skeletal Formula

Shows only bond lines and functional groups in a molecule.

Homologous series

Group of compounds with the same functional group and general formula but varying carbon chain lengths.

Functional group

Reactive group influencing the properties of compounds in a specific homologous series.

Bond fission

Breaking of a covalent bond.

Heterolytic fission

Covalent bond breaking where one species gains the shared electrons, forming a cation and an anion.

Homolytic fission

Covalent bond breaking where electrons are equally shared, forming radicals.

Free radicals

Atoms with unpaired valence electrons, highly reactive and form new covalent bonds.

Initiation

Production of radicals, often by light absorption in a photochemical reaction.

Propagation

Radicals reacting with non-radicals, creating new radicals that continue the chain reaction.

Termination

Radicals combining to form non-radical molecules, ending the chain reaction.