Chemistry - Organic Molecules Definitions

Organic molecules

molecules containing carbon atoms

Molecular Formula

A chemical formula that indicates the element and needs of each of the atoms

structural formula

shows which atoms are attached to which within the molecule. Atoms are represented by their chemical symbols and lines are used to represent ALL the bonds that hold the atoms together

Condensed structural formula

This notation shows the way in which atoms are bonded together in the molecule, but DOES NOT SHOW ALL bond lines.

Hydrocarbon

organic compounds that consist of hydrogen and carbon only

Homologous series

a series of organic compounds that can he described be the same general formula

Saturated compounds

Compounds in which there are no multiple bonds between C atoms in their hydrocarbon chains

Unsaturated compounds

Compounds with one or more multiple bonds between C atoms in their hydrocarbon chains

Functional group

A bond or an atom or a group of atoms that determine(s) the physical and chemical properties of a group of organic compounds

Structural isomer

Organic molecules with the same molecular formula, but different structural formulae

Chain isomers

Same molecular formula, but different types of chains

Positional isomers

Same molecular formula, but different positions of the side chain, substituents or functional groups on the parent chain

Functional isomers

Same molecular formula, but different functional groups,

Hydrohalogenation

The addition of a hydrogen halide to an alkene

Halogenation

The reaction of a halogen (Br2, Cl2) with a compound

Hydration

The addition of water to a compound

Hydrogenation

The addition of hydrogen to an alkene

Dehydrohalogenation of haloalkanes

The elimination of hydrogen and a halogen from a haloalkane

Dehydration of alcohols

Elimination of water from an alcohol

Cracking of alkanes

The chemical process in which longer chain hydrocarbon molecules are broken down to shorter more useful molecules.

Hydrolysis

The reaction of a compound with water