Organic definitions

• Empirical formula


  The simplest ratio of the molecular formula
• Molecular formula


  Shows types and numbers of atoms present in a molecule of the compound
• Structural formula


  Shows the location of chemical bonds between the atoms of a molecule
• Displayed formula


  Numbers used to show multiple atoms or molecules
• Homologous series


  Compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties
• Functional groups


  Groups of atoms responsible for the characteristic properties of a compound
• Aliphatic


  • Hydrocarbons that can be open chain (straight chain)
• Aromatic


  • Cyclic structures that combine aliphatic and cyclic structures
• Saturated


  • Atoms linked by single bonds
• Unsaturated


  • Molecule contains double or triple carbon-carbon bonds
• Butanoic acid


  • CH3-CH2-CH2-COOH