Intro to organic chemistry

Empirical formula

• Simplified whole number ratio of atoms

• E.g. C₅H₁₂

Molecular formula

• The actual number of atoms of each element in the molecule

• E.g. C₅H₁₂

Displayed formula

• Shows every atom and every bond in the molecule 

Skeletal formula

• All of the carbon and hydrogen atoms are removed from carbon chains leaving just a carbon skeleton with functional groups attached to it 

Structural formula

• Shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule in a simplified form

• No bonds shown

• Each carbon is written separately

• E.g. Pentane - CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃

Homologous series

A family of organic compounds with the same functional group but different chain lengths

What are the key characteristics of a homologous series ?

• Same general formula 

• Similar chemical activity

• Melting and boiling points increase as carbon chain length increases due to increased intermolecular forces 

What is the difference between an Alkane and an Alkene ?

• Alkenes have a C=C double bond but Alkanes only have a C-C single bond 

What is the functional group of an Alkene ?

C=C

What is the functional group of a Halogenoalkane ?

• — X (e.g. - F, - Br, - Cl, - I )

• X is always a halogen (group 7 element)

What is the functional group of an Alcohol ?

— O — H

What is the functional group of an Aldehyde ?

What is the functional group of a Ketone ?

• No hydrogen atom 

• C=O is between 2 carbons in a chain 

What is the functional group of a Carboxylic acid ?

What is the functional group of a Primary Amine ?

What is the functional group of a Nitrile ?