9701 · 29.1
Formulas, functional groups and the naming of organic compounds flashcards
Revision flashcards for Cambridge 9701 Formulas, functional groups and the naming of organic compounds (syllabus 29.1). Flip, recall, then mark a real past-paper question.
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What is a functional group?
An atom or group of atoms in a molecule that is responsible for its characteristic chemical reactions. It is the reactive part of the molecule.
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What is a homologous series?
A series of organic compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties, in which successive members differ by a –CH₂ group.
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What is the key difference between a displayed formula and a skeletal formula?
A displayed formula shows all atoms and all bonds. A skeletal formula shows only the carbon backbone and functional groups; carbon and hydrogen atoms in the chain are implied.
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What is the primary rule for numbering the carbon chain in IUPAC nomenclature?
The chain is numbered to give the principal functional group the lowest possible locant (number).
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What is the difference in structure between an aldehyde and a ketone?
In an aldehyde, the carbonyl group (C=O) is at the end of a carbon chain (R-CHO). In a ketone, the carbonyl group is within a carbon chain (R-CO-R').
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How do you classify a primary (1°) alcohol?
A primary alcohol has the hydroxyl (–OH) group attached to a carbon atom that is bonded to only one other carbon atom (or zero, in the case of methanol).
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How do you classify a tertiary (3°) amine?
A tertiary amine has three alkyl or aryl groups directly bonded to the nitrogen atom (R₃N). There are no hydrogen atoms attached to the nitrogen.
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What is the general formula for the homologous series of alkanes?
CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, where n is the number of carbon atoms.
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What functional group is represented by –COCl?
An acyl chloride (or acid chloride).
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How is an ester named?
The name has two parts. The first part comes from the alkyl group of the alcohol (e.g., 'ethyl'). The second part comes from the carboxylic acid, with the '-oic acid' ending changed to '-oate' (e.g., 'propanoate'). Example: ethyl propanoate.
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What is structural isomerism?
Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulas. This includes chain, positional, and functional group isomerism.
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What is the IUPAC suffix for a nitrile?
The suffix is '-nitrile'. The carbon of the C≡N group is counted as part of the main chain. For example, CH₃CH₂CN is propanenitrile.