Intro to organic chemistry

• What is a homologous series?

  Group of compounds that have same functional group & general formula. Similar chemical properties.
• Order of priority of functional groups:

  Other groups> alkenes> alkyl groups> halogens
• What are structural isomers?


  Same molecular formula, but different structural formula. 3 types: Chain, position & functional group
• Explain chain isomerism:


  Same functional group, but different arrangements of carbon skeleton.
• Explain position isomerism:


  Same skeleton & same atoms or groups of atoms attached. Atoms or groups of atoms are attached to different carbon atoms.
• Explain functional group isomerism:

  Same atoms but arranged into different functional groups (members of different homologous series).
• What are stereoisomers?


  Same structural formula, but atoms arranged differently in space. E.g, E/Z isomerism seen in molecules with C=C.
• What is a planar double bond?

  Carbon atoms in C=C & atoms bonded to them lie in same plane. Trigonal planar shape in planar unit (bond angles 120 degrees).
• Which bonds can atoms rotate around?

  Single. Double bonds are rigid ( don't bend much).
• What are the 2 types of stereoisomer?

  E/Z & optical isomerism.
• What is E/Z isomerism?

  Caused by restricted rotation around C=C in alkenes. E isomer is where matching groups are opposite.
• E/Z isomer priority rules:

  Atom with higher atomic number on each carbon given higher priority.