functional groups and homologous series

• What do homologous compounds belong to?

  A series of organic molecules
• What is a key feature of a homologous series?

  Members have the same general formula
• What is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of a molecule?

  The functional group within the molecule
• How does each subsequent compound in a homologous series differ?

  By a CH2 unit addition
• What are the three distinctive characteristics of a homologous series?

  • Same functional group in all members
  • Same general formula for all members
  • Each compound differs by a CH2 unit
• What is the general formula for alkenes?

  CnH2n
• How many carbon atoms does the alkene in the example have?

  7 carbon atoms
• What is the molecular formula of an alkene with 7 carbon atoms?

  C7H14
• What is the general formula for alcohols?

  CnH2n+1OH
• How many carbon atoms does the alcohol in the example have?

  4 carbon atoms
• What is the molecular formula of an alcohol with 4 carbon atoms?

  C4H9OH
• What are some common homologous series and their examples?

  • Alkanes: Propane (CH3CH2CH3)
  • Alkenes: Propene (CH3CH=CH2)
  • Alcohols: Ethanol (CH3CH2OH)
  • Aldehydes: Ethanal (CH3CHO)
  • Ketones: Propanone (CH3COCH3)
  • Carboxylic acids: Ethanoic acid (CH3COOH)
  • Esters: Ethyl ethanoate (CH3COOCH2CH3)
  • Amides: Ethanamide (CH3CONH2)
  • Acyl chlorides: Ethanoyl chloride (CH3COCl)
  • Arenes: Methylbenzene (C6H5CH3)
• What is the backbone of organic compounds called?

  The carbon skeleton
• What are the two primary types of carbon skeletons?

  • Aromatic skeletons (contain benzene rings)
  • Non-aromatic skeletons (straight, branched, cyclic)
• What do saturated compounds contain between carbon atoms?

  Only single bonds
• What do unsaturated compounds contain between carbon atoms?

  Double or triple bonds
• What is the general formula for an alkyl group?

  CnH2n+1
• What is the smallest alkyl group?

  The methyl group (-CH3)
• What are the types of bonds in organic compounds?

  • Saturated: only single bonds
  • Unsaturated: double or triple bonds