1. intro to organics

• What is a general formula in organic chemistry?

  An algebraic formula for a family of compounds
• What is the general formula for alkanes?

  C$n$H$2n +$$2$
• What is the general formula for alkenes?

  C$n$H$2n$
• What is the general formula for alcohols?

  CnH2n+1OH
• What does a molecular formula represent?

  The actual number of atoms in a molecule
• What is an example of a molecular formula?

  C$2$H$6$
• What is an empirical formula?

  The simplest whole number ratio of atoms
• What is the empirical formula of C$2$H$6$?


  CH$3$
• What does a structural formula show?

  The arrangement of atoms without bonds
• What does a skeletal formula represent?

  The carbon skeleton without hydrogen atoms
• What does a displayed formula show?

  The arrangement of all atoms and bonds
• What is the displayed formula for 2-chloropropane?

  Shows all atoms and bonds clearly
• What is a homologous series in organic chemistry?

  • A group of compounds
  • Same functional group
  • Same general formula
• How do you determine the molecular formula of an alkene with 23 carbons?

  C$23$H$46$
• What are the characteristics of successive members of a homologous series?

  • Increase by CH$2$
  • Same general formula
  • Similar chemical properties
• What is the general formula for alcohols?

  C$n$H$2n +$$1$O
• What is the suffix for alkanes?

  • ane
• What is the suffix for alkenes?

  • ene
• What is the suffix for alcohols?

  • ol
• What is the suffix for aldehydes?


  • al
• What is the suffix for ketones?

  • one
• What is the suffix for carboxylic acids?

  • oic acid
• What are halogenoalkanes?

  Compounds with halogen atoms attached
• What is the prefix for a 3-carbon chain?

  Prop
• What is the prefix for a 4-carbon chain?

  But
• What is the prefix for a 5-carbon chain?

  Pent
• What is the prefix for a 6-carbon chain?

  Hex
• What is the first step in naming a molecule?

  Find the longest continuous carbon chain
• What does the suffix indicate in a molecule's name?

  The functional group present in the molecule
• How should the carbon chain be numbered?

  From the end nearest the functional group
• What do prefixes indicate in a molecule's name?

  Side chains and less important functional groups
• What do you use to indicate multiple identical functional groups?

  Di, tri, or tetra prefixes
• What is a chemical mechanism?

  Shows the movement of electrons in reactions
• What does a curly arrow represent in a mechanism?

  The movement of a pair of electrons
• What does a free radical mechanism not require?

  Curly arrows
• What does the curly arrow indicate in the reaction of OH with bromoethane?

  Movement of electrons to form a bond
• What does the end of a curly arrow indicate?

  Where the electrons are moving to
• What does the lone pair in the reaction with bromoethane represent?

  Electrons available for bonding
• What happens to the electrons in the bond during the reaction?

  They move to the bromine atom
• What is the significance of showing mechanisms in organic chemistry?

  To illustrate how reactions occur