Chapter 10: An Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts from the notes on organic chemistry (Chapter 10).

Organic compound

A compound containing carbon (often with hydrogen) and typically other elements, characterized by covalent bonding and diverse structures.

Covalent bond

A bond formed by sharing electrons between atoms; common in organic compounds.

Ionic bond

A bond formed by electron transfer between atoms, typical of many inorganic compounds.

Carbon's bonding capacity

Carbon can form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms.

Double bond

A bond formed by sharing two pairs of electrons between atoms (e.g., C=C).

Triple bond

A bond formed by sharing three pairs of electrons between atoms (e.g., C≡C).

Isomer

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures and properties.

Structural (constitutional) isomer

Isomers that differ in the connectivity of atoms.

Hydrocarbon

A compound containing only carbon and hydrogen; typically nonpolar.

Aromatic hydrocarbon

A hydrocarbon with a benzene-like ring structure, stabilized by delocalized electrons.

Alkanes

Saturated hydrocarbons containing only single bonds (C–C and C–H); general formula CnH2n+2.

Saturated hydrocarbon

A hydrocarbon with only single bonds and the maximum number of hydrogens.

Alkenes

Hydrocarbons containing at least one C=C double bond; unsaturated.

Alkynes

Hydrocarbons containing at least one C≡C triple bond; unsaturated.

Substituted hydrocarbon

A hydrocarbon in which one or more hydrogens are replaced by another atom or group.

Alkyl group

An alkane fragment formed by removing one hydrogen; named by replacing -ane with -yl.

Methyl group

A one-carbon alkyl group: -CH3.

Ethyl group

A two-carbon alkyl group: -CH2CH3.

Propyl group

A three-carbon alkyl group: -CH2CH2CH3.

Butyl group

A four-carbon alkyl group: -CH2CH2CH2CH3.

Primary (1°) carbon

A carbon attached to one other carbon.

Secondary (2°) carbon

A carbon attached to two other carbons.

Tertiary (3°) carbon

A carbon attached to three other carbons.

Quaternary (4°) carbon

A carbon attached to four other carbons.

CnH2n+2

General molecular formula for straight-chain alkanes.

Condensed formula

A formula showing atoms in sequence without drawing bonds (e.g., CH3CH2CH3).

Structural formula

A formula showing each atom and bond arrangement in a molecule.

Longest carbon chain (IUPAC)

The base name is determined by the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms.

Rule: number from end with first branch

In naming, number the chain from the end that gives the first substituent the lowest number.

Rule: alphabetical substituents

Substituents are listed in alphabetical order when naming, ignoring prefixes like di/tri.

Cycloalkane

Cyclic alkanes with formula CnH2n; named with a cyclo- prefix.

cis-trans isomerism

Geometric isomerism due to restricted rotation; substituents can be on the same (cis) or opposite (trans) side.

Conformation

Different spatial arrangements due to rotation about single bonds; includes staggered vs eclipsed forms.

Chair conformation

The most stable conformer of cyclohexane, minimizing steric strain.

Boat conformation

A less stable cyclohexane conformer with more strain.

Halogenation

Substitution reaction where a hydrogen is replaced by a halogen (Cl, Br, etc.) on an alkane.

Complete combustion

Hydrocarbon reacts with O2 to form CO2 and H2O; releases maximum energy.

Incomplete combustion

Partial oxidation producing CO and H2O; CO is poisonous.

Functional group

A specific group of atoms responsible for characteristic reactions (e.g., OH, carbonyl, etc.).

Alcohol

Functional group hydroxyl: R–OH; examples include ethanol.

Aldehyde

Carbonyl group at the end of a carbon chain: R–CHO.

Ketone

Carbonyl group within the carbon chain: R–CO–R'.

Carboxylic acid

Carboxyl group (-COOH); common acidic organic acids (e.g., acetic acid).

Ester

Functional group R–COOR'; formed from carboxylic acid and alcohol.

Ether

Functional group R–O–R'; two carbon groups bonded to an oxygen.

Amine

Amino group (-NH2); e.g., ethylamine.

Amide

Carboxamide group (-CONH2).

IUPAC nomenclature

International system for naming chemical compounds; emphasizes longest chain, substituents, and alphabetizing.