Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Molecular formula

The actual number of atoms of each element present in a molecule

Empirical formula

The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element present in a molecule

Structural formula

Shows how the atoms in a molecule are arranged (does not show us the bonds)

Displayed formula

Shows all the atoms and bonds in a molecule

Skeletal formula

Shows the shape of the carbon skeleton (simplest possible way to represent the structure of an organic molecule)

Homologous series

A family of compounds containing the same functional group and having the same general formula but having a different carbon chain length. Each successive member has an additional CH2.

Functional group

An atom or group of atoms which gives an organic compound its particular chemical properties (the part of the molecule which determines how it reacts)

Hydrocarbons

Compounds containing carbon and hydrogen atoms only

Saturated hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons which contain single carbon-carbon bonds only

Unsaturated hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons which contain one or more carbon-carbon double or triple bonds

What do these 3 terms mean?

• Aliphatic hydrocarbon

• Alicyclic hydrocarbon

• Aromatic hydrocarbons

• Containing chains

• Containing rings

• Containing benzene rings

Structural isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula but a different structural formula

What are the 3 different types of structural isomers?

• Chain isomers

• Position isomers

• Functional group isomers

Stereoisomers

Compounds with the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space

Chain isomers

Have the same molecular formula but their structures have the hydrocarbon chain arranged differently

Position isomers

Have the same molecular formula and functional group, but their functional group is in a different position

Functional group isomers

Have the same molecular formula but a different functional group