Organic Chemistry: Key Concepts and Terms

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary from introductory organic chemistry.

Organic Chemistry

The study of carbon compounds.

Organic Compounds

Compounds made from carbon and hydrogen atoms, may also contain other nonmetals.

Hydrocarbons

Organic compounds that contain only carbon and hydrogen.

Saturated Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons that contain only single bonds.

Covalent Bonds

Bonds formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms.

Alkanes

Hydrocarbons that contain only C—C and C—H bonds.

Condensed Structural Formula

A representation of a molecule where each carbon and its attached hydrogen are grouped together.

Structural Isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms.

Cis-Trans Isomers

Isomers that have different physical and chemical properties due to the rigid double bond in alkenes.

Aromatic Compounds

Compounds that contain a benzene ring.

IUPAC Naming System

A system for naming organic chemical compounds according to standardized rules.

Cyclic Alkanes

Alkanes that form a ring structure, having two fewer hydrogen atoms than their open chain counterparts.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine their characteristics.

Combustion Reactions

Reactions where alkanes react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Substituents

Atoms or groups of atoms attached to the carbon chain.

Haloalkanes

Alkanes with one or more halogen substituents.

Flammable

Able to catch fire easily.

Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons containing double or triple bonds.

Hydrogenation

A reaction where hydrogen is added to double or triple bonds in a hydrocarbon.

Ethyne

Also known as acetylene, used in welding.

Ethylene

Also known as ethene, a plant hormone that accelerates fruit ripening.