Alkanes and Their Nomenclature Quiz

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

• Organic chemistry studies carbon-containing compounds
• These compounds form the basis of life on Earth
• Organic compounds are diverse in structure and function

Steric Effect

• Steric effect is an influence on reaction rate
• Caused by the space-filling properties of atoms or groups
• Located near the reacting site of a molecule
• Independent of electronic effects

Steric Hindrance

• Spatial arrangement within a molecule
• Atoms or groups hinder or slow down reactions
• Usually severe with bulky groups
• Results in altered products

Classification of Organic Compounds

• Classified by functional groups and principal series
• Functional groups are reactive parts of molecules
• These groups dictate a compound's family

Isomers

• Isomers are compounds with identical molecular formulas
• But differ in the bonding of their atoms' sequence
• Or differ in their atoms' arrangement in space

Types of Isomers

• Structural (constitutional) isomers: same atoms, different order/connectivity
• Stereo isomers: same atom connections, different 3D arrangement
  • Conformational isomers
  • Configurational isomers
    • Enantiomers (mirror images)
    • Diastereomers (not mirror images)
      • Geometric (cis-trans or E-Z)
      • Meso compounds

Structural Isomers (Constitutional)

• Skeletal isomers: differ in the carbon skeleton structure
• Positional isomers: differ in the location of a functional group
• Functional isomers: differ in the type of functional group

Nomenclature of Alkanes

• IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) system
• Rules for naming organic compounds
  • Find the longest continuous carbon chain
  • Number the carbons to give lowest numbers to the substituents
  • Name and locate each substituent group (in alphabetical order)
  • If two or more substituents are the same, use prefixes (di, tri, tetra)

Types of Carbon & Hydrogen

• Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary carbons
• Primary, secondary, and tertiary hydrogens

Classes of Organic Reactions

• Substitution reactions: one group replaces another
• Elimination reactions: removal of a small molecule like water
• Addition reactions: addition of a molecule to another
• Rearrangement reactions: rearrangement of atoms within a molecule

Isomerism in Alkanes

• n-alkanes: no branches from the main chain
• Iso-alkanes: branch located at end of longest chain
• Neo-alkanes: multiple branched at the end of the longest chain
• Methods of preparation (in industry and laboratory )

Degrees of unsaturation

• Calculating the degree of unsaturation from the molecular formula of a compound - used to predict presence of ring structures or double/triple bonds.

Hydrocarbon Classification

• Alkanes (saturated hydrocarbons)
• Alkenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons)
• Alkynes (unsaturated hydrocarbons) are hydrocarbons with triple bond
• Arenes (aromatic).

Preparation of Alkanes

• From alkyl halides (reduction or Grignard reagents)
• From alkenes (catalytic hydrogenation)
• From aldehydes/ketones (reduction)
• From carboxylic acids (decarboxylation or Kolbe's electrolysis)

Test your knowledge on alkanes, their formulas, and nomenclature rules with this quiz. Questions cover various aspects such as identifying molecular formulas, naming alkanes, and understanding structural features. Perfect for chemistry students seeking to reinforce their understanding of organic compounds.