Key Definition and Concepts

Organic chemistry

The chemistry of carbon

Hydrocarbons

Molecules containing ONLY carbon and hydrogen atoms only

Saturated

Contains single C-C bonds ONLY

Unsaturated

Contains at least 1 carbon carbon multiple bond ( C=C or C triple bond C)

Aliphatic

A chain of carbons

Alicyclic

A chain of carbons joined in a ring

anything that is alicyclic is also aliphatic

Aromatic

Organic molecules containing a benzene ring

Functional group

The part if an organic molecule responsible for its chemical reactions

Empirical formula

the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound

Molecular formula

The actual number of atoms of each element in a compound

Homologous series

A family of compounds where each member contains the same functional group but differs by a CH2 for each successive member

Structural isomers

Molecules with the same molecular formula but with a different structure formula

Sigma bond (covalent)

Head on overlap of atomic orbitals

Mechanisms

Series of steps that make up an overall equation

Substitution

A reaction whereby one atom or group is replaced by another

Radical

A species with an unpaired electron

very reactive

Homolytic bond fission

Breaking of a covalent bond whereby each each atom get the same number of electrons forming 2 radicals

Pi bond (covalent)

Sideways overlap of p orbitals

Stereoisomerism

Same structural formula but different arrangement of atoms in space

Addition

A reaction type where reactants combine to form one single product

ALKENES DO ADDITION

Curly arrows

Show movement of a pair of electrons

Heterolytic bond fission

The breaking of a bond in a way that the atoms of the bond each get a different number of electrons

Electrophiles

Electron pair acceptors

Nucleophile

Electron pair donor

Electrophilic mechanisms

mechanisms that are initiated by electrophiles