Key words for organic chemistry

Organic chemistry

The chemistry of carbon compounds

What is the general formula of a homologous series used for?

To calculate the molecular formula of any member of the series.

What does 'n' represent in the general formula of a homologous series?

The number of carbon atoms.

An example of a general formula

CnH2n + OH

What is the molecular formula?

The molecular formula of a compound shows the number of each type of atom present in one molecule of the compound

An example of the molecular formula

C2H6O

What is the displayed formula?

The displayed formula of a compound shoes the arrangement of atoms in a molecule as well as all the bonds

An example of a displayed formula

H H

O
|
H—C—C—H

What is the homologous series?

A homologous series is a group of molecules with the same functional group but a different number of -CH2 groups

What is the functional group?

A functional group is an atom or group of atoms responsible for the typical chemical reactions of a molecule

What is a saturated alkane?

Saturated - A saturated hydrocarbon contains no carbon-to-carbon double bonds, only single bonds

What is an unsaturated alkene?

Unsaturated - An unsaturated compound contains at least one double or triple bond

What is a hydrocarbon?

A compound that only contains carbon and hydrogen atoms only