Chapter 11: organic chemistry basic concepts

Organic chemistry

the chemistry of carbon containing compounds

Hydrocarbon

Organic compounds that contain C&H atoms only

saturated

Contains Single carbon-carbon bonds only

unsaturated

Contains multiple C-C bonds, including double and triple bonds

Aliphatic hydrocarbons

A compound containing carbon and hydrogen joined together in straight chains, branched chains, or non-aromatic rings

Alicyclic hydrocarbon

an aliphatic compound arranged in non-aromatic rings with or without side chains

Functional group

a group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound

Homologous series

a series of organic compounds with the same functional group but with each successive members differing by CH₂

general formula

the simplest algebraic formula a member of a homologous series

structural formula

the minimal detail that shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule

displayed formula

the relative positioning of atoms and the bonds between them

skeletal formula

the simplified organic formula, shown by removing H atoms from alkyl chains, leaving just a C skeleton and associated functional groups

aromatic

a compound containing a benzene ring

structural isomers

compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula

aldehyde functional group

ketone functional group

homolytic fission

when a covalent bond breaks and each bonding atom receives 1 electron from the bonded pair, forming 2 radicals

radical

a species with an unpaired electron

When does homolytic fission occur?

When a covalent bond breaks and one bonded atom receives both electrons from the bonded pair.

in non-polar molecules, unless a dipole has been induced by the presence of a molecule (eg: an alkene).

Heterolytic fission

When a covalent bond breaks, and the more electronegative of the bonded atoms takes both of the electrons from the bond

When does heterolytic fission occur?

When a bond is polar or if a dipole has been induced

Addition reactions

When 2 reactants join together to form 1 product

substitution reactions

When an atom or group of atoms is replaced by another atom or group of atoms

Elimination Reactions

When a small is removed from a larger molecule