Nomenclature and Conformations of Alkanes and Cycloalkanes

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts from the chapter on Nomenclature and Conformations of Alkanes and Cycloalkanes.

Alkane

A hydrocarbon with only C-C single bonds, saturated without double or triple bonds.

Cycloalkane

An alkane where carbon atoms are arranged in a ring, with the general formula CnH2n.

IUPAC Nomenclature

A systematic method for naming organic chemical compounds established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry.

Constitutional Isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural connectivity and distinct physical properties.

Index of Hydrogen Deficiency (IHD)

A count of how many hydrogen molecules can be added to achieve saturation, accounting for multiple bonds and rings.

Boiling Point

The temperature at which a liquid's vapor pressure equals the external pressure, causing it to turn into gas.

Torsional Strain

Strain that arises from repulsive interactions between eclipsed bonds in a conformation.

Angle Strain

Strain resulting from bond angles deviating from the ideal tetrahedral angle of 109.5 degrees in saturated compounds.

Trans Isomer

A stereoisomer where substituents are located on opposite sides of a double bond or ring.

Cis Isomer

A stereoisomer where substituents are on the same side of a double bond or ring.

Hydroxyl Group

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH), found in alcohols.

Newman Projection

A way of visualizing a molecule from a specific viewpoint, specifically along a carbon-carbon bond.

Staggered Conformation

A conformation of a molecule where groups attached to adjacent carbons are as far apart as possible.

Eclipsed Conformation

A less stable conformation where groups attached to adjacent carbons are directly aligned with one another.

Fractional Distillation

A separation technique that relies on differences in boiling points to separate components of a mixture.