Introduction to Organic Chemistry Flashcards

An atom or group of atoms in a molecule that determines its characteristic chemical reactions.

A family of organic compounds with the same functional group and general formula, where each successive member differs by a -CH2- group.

The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.

The actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

The minimal detail showing how the atoms are linked in a molecule, without drawing the actual bonds (e.g. CH3CH2OH).

A simplified organic formula where carbon-carbon bonds are represented by lines, carbon atoms and hydrogens attached to carbon are omitted, but heteroatoms and their attached hydrogens (such as -OH and -NH2) must be drawn explicitly.

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.

Chain isomerism, position isomerism, and functional group isomerism.

Isomers with the same molecular formula but different carbon skeleton arrangements (e.g. branching).

Isomers with the same functional group and carbon skeleton, but the functional group is attached to a different carbon atom.

Isomers with the same molecular formula but different functional groups (e.g. propanal and propanone).

Compounds with the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space.

Because of restricted rotation around the carbon-carbon double bond (C=C) and the presence of two different groups attached to each C atom of the double bond.

The breaking of a covalent bond where one electron from the shared pair goes to each atom, forming two free radicals.

The breaking of a covalent bond where both electrons from the shared pair go to one of the atoms, forming a cation and an anion.

The movement of an electron pair.

The movement of a single electron.

An electron pair donor (species attracted to areas of low electron density).

An electron pair acceptor (species attracted to areas of high electron density).