Chemistry - Introduction to Organic Chemistry

What is a hydrocarbon?

A compound of hydrogen and carbon ONLY

What are the 5 features of the molecules in a homologous series?

• Same functional group

• Similar chemical reactivity

• A trend in physical properties

• Consecutive molecules differ by a CH₂ unit

• Same general formula

What is a homologous series?

A series of compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties

What is a functional group?

The group of atoms responsible for how a particular compound reacts. All the compounds in the same homologous series have the same functional group

What is an isomer?

Compounds with the same molecular formula and chemical properties but different physical properties e.g. butane vs methylpropane. Both C₄H₁₀

How to tell if something is an isomer or not?

If they have a different number of CH₃ fragments, they are isomers e.g. Butane = 2 CH₃ Methylpropane = 3 CH₃

What is the prefix for 1 carbon atom in the longest chain?

Meth

What is the prefix for 2 carbon atom in the longest chain?

Eth

What is the prefix for 3 carbon atom in the longest chain?

Prop

What is the prefix for 4 carbon atom in the longest chain?

But

What is the prefix for 5 carbon atom in the longest chain?

Pent

What is the prefix for 6 carbon atom in the longest chain?

Hex

What is the general formula for alkanes?

C_nH_2n+2

Why are alkanes saturated compounds?

Because there are no C=C double bonds and they cannot participate in addition reactions

Difference between structural formula and molecular formula e.g. butane

Molecular formula = the exact number and type of atoms in a molecule e.g. C₄H₁₀

Structural formula = shows how the atoms are arranged and bonded e.g. CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₃