Organic Chemistry
Q: I can discuss how different organic compounds are classified (skeletal vs functional group, cyclic vs. acyclic)
A: Organic compounds are classified by their carbon backbone (skeletal) and by the functional groups they contain (e.g., –OH, –COOH). Skeletal can be straight, branched, or cyclic. Acyclic compounds are open chains, while cyclic compounds form rings.
Q: I can discuss the basic characteristics of alkanes, based on their non-polar structure, and I know that their molecular formulas follow the formula CnH2n+2, indicating that they are saturated
A: Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with only single bonds, making them non-polar. Their general formula is CnH2n+2. They are relatively unreactive and are used as fuels.
Q: I can name and draw alkanes
A: Identify the longest carbon chain, number from the end closest to a substituent, and name branches. Use structural formulas or line diagrams to draw them.
Q: I understand structural isomerism, and I can draw different isomers for the same general formula, but I can also spot when two drawings actually represent the same isomer
A: Structural isomers have the same molecular formula but different bond arrangements. Check for chain branching, position of branches, or functional group location to spot differences.
Q: I can interpret complete structural diagrams and line diagrams
A: Complete diagrams show all atoms and bonds, while line diagrams omit hydrogen and carbon labels, assuming carbon at ends/bends and hydrogens fill remaining bonds.
Q: I understand the nature of the sigma bond between two carbons – it allows for freedom of rotation and molecules tend to exist in the conformation that leads to the least electron cloud repulsion
A: Sigma bonds are single covalent bonds that allow rotation. Molecules adopt staggered conformations to minimize electron repulsion.
Q: I can draw and name cyclic hydrocarbons
A: Use the prefix “cyclo-” with the root name. Cyclic alkanes follow the formula CnH2n. Count ring carbons and add substituents with the lowest numbers.
Q: I understand the nature of the pi bond between two carbons – it limits rotation, and locks the atoms on either in a specific orientation
A: Pi bonds occur in double/triple bonds and prevent rotation. This can create cis/trans or E/Z isomers due to fixed atom positions.
Q: I can name and draw alkenes, CnH2n, including configurational isomers, and I can name and draw alkynes, CnH2n-2
A: Alkenes have double bonds and follow CnH2n; alkynes have triple bonds and follow CnH2n−2. Number the chain from the end closest to the bond. Include isomerism (cis/trans or E/Z) when necessary.
Q: I identify the degrees of unsaturation of a molecule based on its formula
A: Use the formula: (2C + 2 - H + N - X)/2. Each degree = 1 ring or 1 double bond; a triple bond = 2 degrees.
Q: I am familiar with the reactions of alkanes including burning and substitution with halogens like Cl₂ to make halogenoalkanes
A: Alkanes undergo combustion (forming CO₂ + H₂O) and substitution reactions with halogens (Cl₂ or Br₂) under UV light to form halogenoalkanes.
Q: I am familiar with the reactions of alkenes and alkynes including addition of H₂ (metal catalyst) to make alkanes
A: Alkenes/alkynes undergo addition reactions:
H₂ + metal catalyst = alkane
Br₂ = test for unsaturation (decolorization)
H₂O + acid = alcohol (Markovnikov's rule)
HCl = halogenoalkane (Markovnikov’s rule)
Q: I am familiar with the hydroxyl functional group and the properties of alcohols, including deciding if a given alcohol is primary, secondary or tertiary
A: Alcohols contain an –OH group.
1°: –OH on a carbon bonded to 1 other carbon
2°: bonded to 2 other carbons
3°: bonded to 3 carbons
They are polar and have higher boiling points.
Q: I can name and draw alcohols
A: Identify the longest chain containing –OH, number the chain from the –OH end, and name accordingly (e.g., 2-butanol). Draw either structural or line diagrams.
Q: I am familiar with the reactions of alcohols including oxidation with an oxidizing agent (O*) to make aldehydes and then carboxylic acids (from primary) or ketones (from secondary)
A: Alcohol oxidation:
1° → aldehyde → carboxylic acid
2° → ketone
Tertiary alcohols do not oxidize easily.
Q: I am familiar with the reactions of alcohols including substitution with HCl (no catalyst required) to make halogenoalkanes
A: Alcohol + HCl → halogenoalkane + H₂O (no catalyst needed). Useful for converting –OH groups into good leaving groups.
Q: I am familiar with ethers, including properties, naming and drawing
A: Ethers are R–O–R’ compounds. Name both sides as substituents (e.g., ethyl methyl ether). Ethers are relatively non-polar and have low reactivity.
Q: I am familiar with the reactions of ethers including formation via condensation/dehydration of alcohols with acid catalyst
A: Two alcohols condense with an acid catalyst to form an ether and water. Example: ethanol + ethanol → diethyl ether + H₂O.
Q: I am familiar with the carbonyl functional group, and the properties of compounds that contain it
A: The carbonyl group (C=O) is found in aldehydes and ketones. It is polar and reactive, often undergoing reduction and nucleophilic addition.
Q: I can name and draw aldehydes and ketones
A: Aldehydes have the carbonyl at the end of a chain (suffix -al), ketones have it in the middle (suffix -one). Number to give the carbonyl the lowest number.
Q: I am familiar with characteristics reactions of carbonyl compounds including reduction with a reducing agent (H*) to make aldehydes and then primary alcohols (from carboxylic acids) or secondary alcohols (from ketones)
A: Reduction reactions:
Carboxylic acid → aldehyde → 1° alcohol
Ketone → 2° alcohol
Use reducing agents like H₂/Ni or NaBH₄.
Q: I can discuss physical property comparisons (solubility in water, boiling point) for different molecules, thinking about the factors: functional group, molecular size, and molecular packing
A: Physical properties depend on:
Functional group (affects IMF like H-bonding)
Size (longer chains = higher b.p., less soluble)
Shape (more branching = lower b.p.)
Q: I am familiar with the carboxyl functional group and the properties of carboxylic acids, including naming and drawing
A: The –COOH group is highly polar and acidic. Name using the suffix -oic acid. Found at the end of a carbon chain.
Q: I am familiar with characteristics reactions of carboxylic acids including ester formation with an alcohol and acid catalyst
A: Carboxylic acid + alcohol + H⁺ → ester + H₂O. This reaction is called esterification. Esters have sweet smells.
Q: I am familiar with the amine functional group and the properties of amines
A: Amines are derivatives of NH₃ and act as bases. Named with the suffix -amine and classified as 1°, 2°, or 3° based on carbon attachment.
Q: I am familiar with the carboxamide functional group and the properties of amides
A: Amides contain –CONH₂. They are neutral, polar compounds formed from carboxylic acids and amines. Present in proteins (peptide bonds).
Q: I am familiar with the concept of addition polymerization, and I know some of the common monomers and products associated with this process
A: Addition polymerization joins alkenes without losing atoms. Examples: ethene → polyethylene, styrene → polystyrene.
Q: I am familiar with the concept of condensation polymerization, and I know some of the common monomers and products associated with this process
A: Condensation polymerization joins monomers with 2 functional groups, releasing water. Examples: polyester, nylon.
Q: I am familiar with the properties of polymers and some of their common uses
A: Polymer properties depend on their structure (e.g., flexibility, melting point). Used in plastics, textiles, electronics, and medicine.