Chemical Reactions of Organic Compounds

Practice flashcards for students to review key concepts related to the chemical reactions of organic compounds, focusing on alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, and related tests and reactions.

What group characterizes alcohols?

The -OH group bonded to a saturated, alkane-like carbon atom.

How are alcohols classified?

According to the number of hydroxyl groups: monohydric, dihydric, or trihydric.

What is a primary alcohol?

An alcohol where the carbon atom with the -OH group is attached to only one other carbon.

What distinguishes a secondary alcohol?

It has the -OH group attached to a carbon that is bonded to two other carbons.

What is a tertiary alcohol?

An alcohol where the carbon with the -OH group is bonded to three other carbons.

What is esterification?

The reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol in the presence of a strong acid catalyst.

What catalyst is often used in ester formation?

H₂SO₄ (sulfuric acid).

What does the term 'enol' refer to?

A molecule that has a hydroxyl group (OH) bonded directly to a carbon-carbon double bond.

What is the Ferric Chloride Test used for?

To test for phenols by producing a colored complex.

What reaction occurs between ethanol and oxygen?

Ethanol can be oxidized to form acetaldehyde and then further oxidized to acetic acid.

What are aldehydes classified as?

The simplest family of carbonyl compounds, often associated with specific aromas.

What is a common property of aldehydes and ketones?

They are moderately polar compounds with higher boiling points than alkanes of similar molecular weight.

How do aldehydes and ketones differ in terms of oxidation?

Aldehydes can be oxidized to carboxylic acids, while ketones generally do not undergo oxidation.

What test distinguishes aldehydes from ketones?

Tollens' Test, which produces a silver mirror with aldehydes.

What happens in the Tollens' Test?

Aldehydes react to form a carboxylic acid and metallic silver precipitate.

What does Benedict's reagent detect?

The presence of aldehydes; it reduces blue copper(II) to brick-red copper(I) oxide.

What are carboxylic acids?

Organic acids that are derivatives of carboxyl groups (COOH).

What is the relationship between carboxylic acids, esters, and amides?

Esters and amides are derivatives of carboxylic acids.

What is saponification?

The reaction of an ester with a strong base to produce a carboxylate anion.

What is hydrolysis?

The reaction where a compound reacts with water to break bonds, yielding new components.

What is the result of acid-catalyzed hydrolysis?

It is the reverse of esterification, yielding carboxylic acids and alcohols.

What does the presence of a purple color indicate in the ester tests?

It indicates the occurrence of an ester hydrolysis reaction.

What is the typical smell of esters?

They often possess pleasant fruity odors.

What is a common use for esters?

In the production of flavors and fragrances.

How do aldehydes contribute to perfumes?

They provide different aromas, such as cinnamon or vanilla.

What is the base hydrolysis of esters also known as?

Saponification.

What role do aromatic aldehydes play?

They contribute to the natural flavors and aromas in foods.

What is another name for an organic compound containing a carbonyl group?

Carbonyl compound.

What property makes aldehydes and ketones good solvents?

Their moderate polarity allows them to dissolve both polar and non-polar compounds.

What happens to solubility as the number of carbon atoms increases in aldehydes and ketones?

They become more alkane-like and less water-soluble.

What type of reaction creates esters from carboxylic acids?

Esterification.

Why are tertiary alcohols usually resistant to oxidation?

They lack the hydrogen atom needed to be oxidized further.

What is the significance of the red precipitate in Benedict’s Test?

It indicates that an aldehyde has been oxidized.

What does the reaction of ethyl butyrate smell like?

It has a pineapple-like odor.

Which test helps determine the presence of phenols?

Ferric Chloride Test.

What is the boiling point of butyric acid?

164 °C.

What reaction occurs when isobutyl formate is hydrolyzed?

It yields butanol and formic acid.

What is a characteristic of simple ketones?

They generally have low toxicity.

What is the basic structure of carboxylic acids?

They contain a carbonyl (C=O) group and a hydroxyl (OH) group.

What is a characteristic feature of ketones?

They have two carbon-containing groups bonded to the carbonyl carbon.

What does the color change in the Tollen's Test indicate?

Aldehydes reducing silver ions to metallic silver.

What are the two simplest types of carbonyl compounds?

Aldehydes and ketones.

What changes or does not happen during a ketone oxidation reaction?

Ketones do not react with mild oxidizing agents; they remain unchanged.

What is the typical outcome of a saponification reaction?

Produces a carboxylate salt and an alcohol.

What is the -COOR structure in esters?

It denotes the ester functional group.

What catalyst is necessary for the esterification reaction?

A strong acid like H₂SO₄.

What occurs in hydrolysis of esters in the presence of a strong base?

Results in the formation of a carboxylate ion instead of a free acid.

How does the solubility of carboxylic acids change with carbon chain length?

Shorter carboxylic acids are more soluble in water than longer ones.

What is the product of complete oxidation of primary alcohols?

Carboxylic acid.

What is the function of sodium hydroxide in ester testing?

It can hydrolyze the ester to produce its corresponding carboxylic acid.