Introduction to Organic Chemistry - Alkanes

What is a homologous series?

Series of compounds containing the same functional group and so general formula and chemical properties.

What does the formula of each member of a homologous series differ by?

-CH₂

What is a functional group?

Single atom/ group of atoms that gives the compounds particular chemical properties.

What does general formula represent?

Any member of a homologous series

Alkane general formula

C_nH_2n+2

Alkene general formula

C_nH_2n

What does molecular formula show?

Exact number of atoms of each type.

What does empirical formula?

The simplest whole number ratio of atoms

What does structural formula show?

How atoms are grouped together in a molecule (written)

What does displayed formula show?

All the atoms and all the bonds in a molecule (drawn)

What is skeletal formula?

Simplified structural formula showing only carbon-carbon bonds (as lines) and any functional groups.

What does the prefix of an organic molecule’s name generally tell you?

Number of carbon atoms present

What does the suffix of an organic molecule’s name generally tell you?

Any functional groups present.

What are isomers?

Compounds with the same molecular formula, but different structures.

What are the two types of isomers?

Structural isomers, Stereoisomers

What are structural isomers?

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.

What are stereoisomers?

Molecules with the same molecular and structural formulae, but with a different arrangement of atoms in space.

Alkene functional group

C=C

Halogenoalkane functional group

C-Hal

Alcohol functional group

-O-H

Aldehyde functional group

-COH

Ketone functional group

-C=O

Carboxylic acid functional group

-COOH

Amine functional group

=NHH

Ester functional group

-C=O-O

Alkane suffix

-ane

Alkene suffix

-ene

Halogenoalkane suffix

-ane

Alcohol suffix

-ol

Aldehyde suffix

-al

Ketone suffix

-one

Carboxylic acid suffix

-oic acid

Amine suffix

-amine

Ester suffix

-oate

What are hydrocarbon compounds made up of?

Carbon and hydrogen only

What carbon-carbon bonds do saturated hydrocarbons contain?

Single (alkane CnH2n+2)

What carbon-carbon bonds do unsaturated hydrocarbons contain?

Double (CnH2n)

What chain forms the name of the molecule?

The longest

What is the methyl group branch?

CH₃

What is the ethyl group branch?

CH₃CH₂

If there are multiple alkyl groups present, how do you name the molecule?

Position of alkyl group, di-

If there are multiple different alkyl groups present, how do you name the molecule?

In alphabetical order (ethyl,methyl)

What is a cycloalkane?

Molecule containing a ring of carbon atoms and named with the prefix cyclo-