organic key terms

• general formula = simplest algebraic formula of a member of a homologous series
• homologous series = series of organic compounds that have the same functional group but with each successive member different by a CH2
• functional group = group of atoms that are responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound
• structural formula = shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule in minimal detail
• displayed formula = shows all bonds between atoms in a molecule
• skeletal formula = simplified organic formula shown by removing hydrogen atoms from alkyl chains, leaving just the carbon skeleton and associated functional groups.
• isomers = same molecular formula but different structural formulae
• aliphatic = compound arranged in straight/branching chains
• alicylic = compound arranged in non aromatic rings, with/without branching chains
• aromatic = compound contain 1 or more benzene rings
• benzene ring = 6 carbon atoms with 3 double bonds and 3 single bonds
• chain isomerism = isomers with a different chain length
• positional isomerism = position of the function group differs along the chain
• functional isomerism = position of the atoms causes a different functional group
• pi bond = 2 bonds between p orbitals
• sigma bond = single bonds between s orbitals
• radicals = species with an unpaired electron
• stereoisomerism = isomers with different arrangements
• E/Z isomerism = occurs if a c=c bond is present in the molecule and each carbon is bonded to a different group
• E (entgegen) = atoms/groups on opposite sides

  Z (zusammen) = atoms/groups on the same side
• homolytic fission = breaking a covalent bond to form 2 radicals
• electrophile = electron pair acceptor
• miscibility = the ability of liquids to mix together
• Monomers = small molecules that can join together
• repeat unit = shows how the monomer is bonded to other

  monomers within a chain.