4.1.1 - Basic Concepts of Organic Chemistry

• What is an alicyclic compound?

  An aliphatic compound in non-aromatic rings
• What defines an aliphatic compound?

  Carbon and hydrogen in straight or branched chains
• What is the general formula for alkanes?

  CnH2n+2
• What is an alkyl group?

  A group with the formula CnH2n+1
• What characterizes an aromatic compound?

  Contains a benzene ring
• What does a curly arrow represent in organic chemistry?

  Movement of a pair of electrons
• Where must curly arrows start from?

  From a bond, lone pair, or negative charge
• What is a dipole in chemistry?

  A partial charge due to electronegativity differences
• What is the empirical formula?

  Simplest whole number ratio of atoms
• What is a functional group?

  Group of atoms responsible for reactions
• What is a general formula in chemistry?

  Algebraic formula of a homologous series
• What is heterolytic fission?

  One atom receives both electrons from a bond
• What are the key characteristics of alicyclic and aliphatic compounds?

  • Alicyclic: Non-aromatic rings, can have side chains
  • Aliphatic: Straight or branched chains, non-aromatic rings
• What are the differences between alkanes and alkyl groups?

  • Alkanes: CnH2n+2, saturated hydrocarbons
  • Alkyl: CnH2n+1, derived from alkanes
• What is the significance of functional groups in organic compounds?

  • Determine the chemical reactivity
  • Influence physical properties
• What is the role of curly arrows in chemical reactions?

  • Indicate electron movement
  • Essential for understanding reaction mechanisms
• What is the importance of dipoles in covalent bonds?

  • Explain polarity of molecules
  • Affect intermolecular interactions
• How do displayed formulas help in understanding molecular structure?

  • Show arrangement of atoms
  • Indicate types of bonds present
• What is a homologous series?

  A series of organic compounds with the same functional group
• How do successive members of a homologous series differ?

  They differ by -CH2
• What is homolytic fission?

  When a covalent bond breaks, forming 2 radicals
• What happens to the bonding atoms during homolytic fission?

  Each atom receives one electron from the bonding pair
• What does IUPAC stand for?

  International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry
• What is a molecular formula?

  The number and type of atoms in a molecule
• What is nomenclature in chemistry?

  The naming system for compounds
• What defines an organic compound?

  A carbon-containing compound
• What is a radical in chemistry?

  A species with an unpaired electron
• Give an example of a radical.

  Cl.
• What is a reaction mechanism?

  A series of steps showing bond breaking and forming
• What does a saturated organic compound contain?

  Only C-C single bonds
• How is butan-2-ol represented in skeletal formula?

  By removing hydrogen atoms, showing carbon skeleton
• What is a structural formula?

  The minimal detail showing arrangement of atoms
• How is butane represented in structural formula?

  CH3(CH2)2CH
• What are structural isomers?

  Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures
• What defines an unsaturated organic compound?

  Contains at least one C=C double bond or C≡C triple bond
• What is an example of an unsaturated compound?

  Compounds with C=C double bonds
• What are the key characteristics of a homologous series?

  • Same functional group
  • Successive members differ by -CH2
• What are the key features of reaction mechanisms?

  • Series of steps
  • Shows breaking and forming of bonds
  • Uses curly arrows
• What are the differences between saturated and unsaturated compounds?

  • Saturated: only C-C single bonds
  • Unsaturated: contains C=C double bonds or C≡C triple bonds
• What are the differences between structural formula and skeletal formula?

  • Structural formula: shows arrangement of all atoms
  • Skeletal formula: shows carbon skeleton, omitting hydrogen atoms