Organic Chemistry Chapter 14.2 Quiz

Structural Representation of Organic Molecules

• Structural formula conveys all constituent atoms in a condensed form (e.g., ethane: CH₃CH₂).
• Electron-dot structures display valence electrons as dots (e.g., propane).

Bond Lines

• Uses symbols for carbon and hydrogen; lines indicate single bonds.
• Number of hydrogen atoms bound to carbon is shown by line representation.
• Example: Hydrogen bound to a heteroatom in ethane is represented as -OH.

Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry

• Carbon is the fundamental element in all organic compounds, forming the backbone of various organic entities in the diet.

Structures of Organic Compounds

• Atoms represented by symbols, with covalent bonds denoted by dashes joining bonded atoms.
• Example: Methane's structural formula is represented as:

       H
       |
     H-C-H
       |
       H
  

Electron Dot Structures (Lewis Structures)

• Valence electrons depicted as dots around atoms; two dots signify one covalent bond.
• Example: Methane's electron dot structure is shown as:

       H
       |
     H-C-H
       |
       H
  

Condensed Formula

• Simplified structural formula with hidden covalent bonds, indicating identical groups using subscripts.
• Example: Ethane's condensed formula can be expressed as CH₃ - CH₃ or CH₃CH₃.

Bond Line Formula (Zig-Zag Formula)

• Carbon and hydrogen symbols omitted; zig-zag lines indicate carbon-carbon bonds.
• Zig-zag line terminals represent methyl groups, and intersections denote carbon atoms with their attached hydrogens.
• Example: The bond line formula for C₂H₅OH shows the heteroatom and its hydrogens clearly.

Drawing Molecular Dimensions

• Many organic molecules are represented in three dimensions on paper; three main methods used include:

Wedge Formula

• Provides a 3-D view with a solid wedge indicating a bond toward the viewer and a normal line for bonds going away or below the plane.

Fischer Formula

• Represents the dimensions of the molecule on a two-dimensional plane.