Key Definition and Concepts

Organic chemistry

The chemistry of carbon

Hydrocarbons

A compound containing ONLY carbon and hydrogen atoms

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

Branched

Carbon with side chains coming off of it

Functional group

The part of 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 series of compound which contains the same functional group and each successive member of the series differs by a CH2

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