3.1 Introduction to Organic Chemistry

• What is a general formula?


  The simplest algebraic formula for any member of a homologous series e.g. CnH2n+2 for an alkane``
• What is structural formula?


  The minimum detail on the arrangement of atoms in a molecule, without drawing any bonds
• What is molecular formula?


  The number and type of atoms of each element in a molecule however it does not give any information on how the molecule is bonded together
• What is skeletal formula?

  Simplified formula used to represent organic molecules
• What is displayed formula?

  The relative positioning of atoms and the bonds between them
• What is empirical formula?

  The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound
• What is a homologous series?

  Compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical and physical properties
• What is a functional group?

  The group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound
• What are the steps to naming a compound?

  -the stem is the main part of the name derived from the longest carbon chain

  -suffix after the stem comes from the highest priority functional group

  -the prefix before the stem comes from functional groups attached to the main carbon chain

  -number and hyphens indicating the position of functional groups on the carbon chain

  -functional groups are prioritised alphabetically
• Define the two types of isomers?

  -structural isomers: compounds with the same molecular formula but a different structural formula

  -stereoisomers: organic compounds with the same molecular and structural formulae but a different arrangement of atoms in space
• What are the three types of structural isomers?

  -chain isomers: these are molecules with the same molecular formula but a different arrangement of the carbon chains

  -position isomers: these are molecules with the same functional group attached to a different position on the carbon chain

  -functional group isomers: these are molecules with the same molecular formulae but a different functional groups
• What is the main type of stereoisomerism?

  E/Z isomerism that can arise in alkenes due to the restricted rotation around the C=C bond.