intro to organic chemistry

• What is the empirical formula?


  The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.
• What does the molecular formula represent?


  The true number of atoms of each element in a compound.
• What is a general formula in organic chemistry?


  It is a formula that all members of a homologous organic series follow.
• What does a structural formula show?


  The structural arrangement of atoms within a molecule.
• What is a displayed formula?


  It shows every atom and every bond in an organic compound.
• What is a skeletal formula?


  It shows only the bonds in a compound and any non-carbon atoms, with vertices as carbon atoms.
• What is a homologous series?


  It is a series of organic compounds that follow a general formula and react similarly.
• How does each consecutive member of a homologous series differ?


  Each member differs by CH₂ and has an increase in boiling points as chain length increases.
• What do reaction mechanisms show?


  They show the movement of electrons within a reaction using curly arrows.
• What are isomers?


  Isomers are molecules with the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of atoms.
• What are structural isomers?


  They have a different structural arrangement of atoms but the same molecular formula.
• What are position isomers?


  They have the functional group in a different position of the carbon chain.
• What are functional group isomers?


  They have a different arrangement of the same molecular formula resulting in different functional groups.
• What are stereoisomers?


  They have a different spatial arrangement of atoms.
• What is E-Z isomerism?


  It is a type of stereoisomerism where limited rotation around a double bond leads to functional groups being either together or apart.
• What does the E isomer represent in E-Z isomerism?


  The E isomer has functional groups on opposite sides of the double bond.
• What does the Z isomer represent in E-Z isomerism?

  The Z isomer has functional groups together on the same side of the double bond.
• What are the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) priority rules used for?

  They are used to determine the priority of groups in molecules that can display E-Z isomerism.
• How is priority determined in CIP rules?


  The first atom directly bonded to the carbon with the double bond with the higher atomic number is given higher priority.
• How do you determine if a compound is an E or Z isomer using CIP rules?


  You compare the priority of the groups attached to the carbon atoms in the double bond.
• What is the process to determine E or Z isomerism in a compound with multiple substituents?


  You apply the CIP priority rules to the first and then the second atoms attached to the double bond.
• What happens if the highest priority groups are on the same side of the double bond?


  The compound is classified as the Z isomer.
• What are the different types of formulas used to represent organic compounds?

  • Empirical Formula: simplest ratio of atoms
  • Molecular Formula: true number of atoms
  • General Formula: formula for homologous series
  • Structural Formula: arrangement of atoms
  • Displayed Formula: every atom and bond shown
  • Skeletal Formula: bonds and non-carbon atoms shown
• What are the types of isomerism in organic compounds?


  • Structural Isomers: different structural arrangements
  • Position Isomers: functional group in different positions
  • Functional Group Isomers: different functional groups
  • Stereoisomers: different spatial arrangements
• What is the significance of the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog (CIP) priority rules in E-Z isomerism?


  • Determines priority of groups
  • Higher atomic number gets higher priority
  • Used to classify E or Z isomers