Review of Organic Compounds and Alkanes

These flashcards cover key concepts related to organic chemistry, focusing on alkanes, their properties, classifications, and functional groups.

What is an organic compound?

A compound made from carbon atoms, containing one or more C atoms and many H atoms, and may also contain O, S, N, P, and halogens.

What are the typical properties of organic compounds?

They contain carbon, have covalent bonds, low melting and boiling points, are flammable, soluble in non-polar solvents, and not soluble in water.

What is the molecular formula for alkanes?

CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms.

What is the key difference between organic and inorganic compounds?

Organic compounds contain carbon and are mostly covalent, while inorganic compounds do not necessarily contain carbon.

What is the boiling point trend for alkanes?

Boiling point increases with an increasing number of carbons, decreases for branched alkanes, and increases for cycloalkanes.

What are isomers?

Isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements.

What is the significance of Friedrick Wöhler's synthesis of urea in 1828?

It demonstrated that organic compounds could be synthesized from inorganic materials, challenging the vital force theory.

What are cycloalkanes?

Cyclic alkanes that have two fewer hydrogen atoms than the corresponding alkane.

How do you name alkanes with substituents?

1) Write the longest chain alkane name, 2) Number the chain from the end nearer substituents, 3) Give the location and name of each substituent in alphabetical order.

What functional group is present in alcohols?

A hydroxyl group (-OH) is the functional group in alcohols.

What types of bonds do alkenes and alkynes contain?

Alkenes contain a double bond, and alkynes contain a triple bond between carbon atoms.

Define combustion in relation to alkanes.

The reaction of alkanes with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide, water, and energy, usually involving strong C—C bonds.

What is the general structure of amides?

In amides, the hydroxyl group of a carboxylic acid is replaced by a nitrogen group.