Organic Nomenclature and Structural Isomerism

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to organic nomenclature and structural isomerism.

Alkane

A saturated hydrocarbon with the general formula CnH2n+2.

Cycloalkane

A saturated hydrocarbon in a ring structure with the general formula CnH2n.

Alkene

An unsaturated hydrocarbon with the general formula CnH2n, containing one double bond.

Aromatics (Arenes)

Organic compounds containing a benzene ring structure.

IUPAC

International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, the global standard for naming chemical compounds.

Homologous Series

A group of compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties, differing by CH2 units.

Chain Isomerism

Isomers with the same molecular formula but different arrangements of the carbon skeleton.

Positional Isomerism

Isomers with the same molecular formula but different positions of functional groups.

Functional Group Isomerism

Isomers with the same molecular formula but different functional groups.

Skeletal Formula

A representation of a molecule that shows only the bonds and the arrangement of the carbon skeleton.

General Formula

An algebraic formula that represents a family of compounds.

Sigma Bond

A type of covalent bond formed by the direct overlap of orbitals, creating a strong bond.

Pi Bond

A type of covalent bond formed by the parallel overlap of p-orbitals, typically weaker than sigma bonds.

Functional Group

A specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for characteristic chemical reactions.

Tetrahedral Shape

The molecular shape of alkanes, with bond angles of 109.5 degrees.

Trigonal Planar

The molecular shape around a double bond with bond angles of 120 degrees.

Molecular Formula

A formula indicating the exact number of each type of atom in a molecule.

Alcohol

An organic compound containing one or more hydroxyl (-OH) functional groups.