Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering basic organic chemistry concepts, including nomenclature rules, formulas, isomerism, and reaction mechanisms as outlined in the lecture notes.

General formula

The simplest algebraic formula of a member of a homologous series, such as $C_nH_{2n+2}$ for an alkane.

Structural formula

The minimal detail that shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule, for example, butane as $CH_3CH_2CH_2CH_3$ or $CH_3(CH_2)_2CH_3$.

Displayed formula

The relative positioning of atoms and the bonds between them in a molecule.

Skeletal formula

The simplified organic formula shown by removing hydrogen atoms from alkyl chains, leaving only a carbon skeleton and associated functional groups.

Homologous series

A family of organic compounds with the same functional group where each successive member differs by a $CH_2$ group.

Functional group

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

Alkyl group

A functional group with the formula $C_nH_{2n+1}$.

Aliphatic

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

Alicyclic

An aliphatic compound arranged in non-aromatic rings, with or without side chains.

Aromatic

A compound containing one or more benzene rings.

Saturated

An organic compound containing only single carbon–carbon ($C-C$) bonds.

Unsaturated

An organic compound containing multiple carbon–carbon bonds, including $C=C$, $C\equiv C$, or aromatic rings.

Structural isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.

Homolytic fission

Bond breaking where each bonding atom receives one electron from the shared pair, resulting in the formation of two radicals.

Heterolytic fission

Bond breaking where one bonding atom receives both electrons from the bonded pair, producing ions.

Radical

A highly reactive species with an unpaired electron, represented in mechanisms by a 'dot'.

Curly arrow

A symbol used in reaction mechanisms to show the movement of an electron pair, indicating either the formation of a covalent bond or heterolytic fission.

Hydrocarbon

A compound containing only carbon ($C$) and hydrogen ($H$) atoms.

Catenation

The unique ability of carbon to form long chains of carbon atoms.

Empirical formula

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

Molecular formula

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

IUPAC

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry, which establishes systematic rules for naming organic compounds.

Stem (Nomenclature)

The main part of a chemical name determined by the longest continuous carbon chain, such as meth- ($1C$), eth- ($2C$), or prop- ($3C$).

Chain isomerism

A type of structural isomerism that occurs when there are variations in the arrangement of the carbon chain.

Position isomerism

A type of structural isomerism where the functional group is attached to a different carbon atom in the chain.

Functional group isomerism

A type of structural isomerism where atoms are rearranged to form a different functional group.

Ideal Gas Constant (R)

The constant used in the equation $PV=nRT$, valued at $8.314\,J\,mol^{-1}\,K^{-1}$.