Basic Organic Chemistry

What is empirical formula?

This shows the simplest whole number ratio of the atoms of each element present in a compound

What is a molecular formula?

Shows the actual number of atoms of each element present in one molecule

What is displayed formula?

The relative positioning of the atoms and the bonds between them. This shows all the bonds and how all the atoms are joined together in the structure.

What is structural formula?

This shows the minimum detail required for the arrangement of atoms in a molecule. The carboxyl group is represented as COOH and the ester group as COO

What is skeletal formula?

This ‘hides’ every C atom and any H atom which is directly attached to a C atom. This leaves just the carbon skeleton and any functional groups.

What is general formula?

The simplest algebraic formula for any member of a homologous series.

What is a functional group?

An atom / group responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound.

What is a homologous series?

A family of compounds containing the same functional group but with each successive member of the series differing by a CH2 group.

What is a hydrocarbon?

A compound that contains only hydrogen and carbon atoms

What are sturated hydrocarbons?

Contains only single carbon to carbon bonds, the compounds are called alkanes, the general formula for the alkanes is CnH2n+2

What are unsaturated hydrocarbons?

Contain at least one multiple bond between carbon atoms, if this bond is a C to C double bond, then the compounds are called alkenes is CnH2n, If this bond is a C to C triple bond, then the compounds are called the alkynes, compounds containing a benzene ring (aromatic compounds) are unsaturated.

What is an alkene?

Contain a carbon to carbon double bond

What is a haloalkane?

Carbon atom(s) bonded to a halogen instead of a hydrogen.

What is an alcohol?

Carbon atom(s) bonded to OH.

What is an aldehyde?

Carbon double bonded to oxygen and single bonded to hydrogen at the end of a group.

What is a ketone?

Carbon atom(s) double bonded to oxygen in the middle of the chain.

What is a carboxylic acid?

Carbon atom at end of chain double bonded to oxygen and single bonded to OH.

What is an ester?

An organic compound created from carboxylic acids, where the hydroxyl group in the compound is replaced by an alkyl group

What is an aromatic compound?

Compounds containing a benzene ring. A benzene ring has the formula C6H6.

What are aliphatic compounds?

Compounds of carbon and hydrogen joined together in straight chains, branched chains, or non-aromatic rings.

What are alicyclic compounds?

Aliphatic compounds arranged in non-aromatic rings with or without side chains.

What are structural isomers?

Molecules with the same molecular formula but a different structural formula

What are the three ways in which structural isomerism can occur?

Chain isomers, functional group position isomers, different functional group isomers