Organic Chemistry Fundamentals and Naming Conventions

Study Notes

Organic Chemistry Fundamentals

Alkanes consist solely of single bonds.
Alkenes feature one or more double bonds, distinguishing them from alkanes.
Alkynes contain one or more triple bonds, indicating a higher degree of unsaturation.

Hydrocarbon Naming Conventions

Meth- refers to one carbon.
Eth- indicates two carbons.
Prop- signifies three carbons.
But- represents four carbons.
Pent- stands for five carbons.
Hex- corresponds to six carbons.
Hept- denotes seven carbons.
Oct- points to eight carbons.
Non- refers to nine carbons.
Dec- indicates ten carbons.
Undec- represents eleven carbons.
Dodec- corresponds to twelve carbons.

Functional Groups

Alcohols are characterized by the presence of the hydroxyl group (ROH) with an O-H bond.
Ethers consist of two alkyl groups connected by an oxygen atom (ROR).
Amines contain nitrogen and can have varying structures based on alkyl groups attached.
Aldehydes have the structure RCHO, featuring a carbonyl group at the end of the molecule.
Ketones possess a carbonyl group (C=O) situated within the carbon chain.
Esters contain a double-bonded oxygen plus an internal bridge oxygen.
Amides feature a carbonyl group attached to a nitrogen atom (O=C-N).

Structural and Steric Considerations

Torsional strain arises from atoms that are three bonds apart bumping into each other.
Steric strain occurs when atoms four or more bonds apart create repulsive interactions.
Angle strain results from bond angles deviating from their ideal values, increasing energy.
Bond strain is due to non-ideal bond lengths causing increased energy.
Small ring strain occurs in cyclic compounds with fewer than six carbons, contributing to instability.

Conformations and Stereochemistry

The "syn" configuration in Newman projections represents the least favorable alignment, where atoms are eclipsed.
The "anti" configuration is ideal, with atoms staggered for minimal steric hindrance.
The "gauche" configuration is an intermediate arrangement where atoms are also staggered but closer than in the anti configuration.

Stereoisomers

Enantiomers are molecules that are mirror images of each other, demonstrating optical isomerism.
Diastereomers differ in configuration at one or more stereocenters but are not mirror images.

Chiral Centers

An R chiral center is designated as clockwise when defining priority.
An S chiral center is arranged in a counterclockwise manner.

Hybridization and Bond Angles

sp3 hybridized atoms have a bond angle of 109.5°.
sp2 hybridized atoms exhibit bond angles of 120°.
sp hybridized atoms have a bond angle of 180°.

Element Bonding Preferences

Carbon prefers to form four bonds.
Nitrogen aims to establish three bonds.
Oxygen generally forms two bonds.
Halogens typically form one bond.

Molecular Polarity

Bond dipoles result from uneven electron sharing between atoms.
Ionic compounds exhibit a dipole >2 due to complete electron transfer.
Polar molecules have a dipole moment of 0.5 or greater, indicating significant electron sharing differences.

Description

Test your understanding of organic chemistry fundamentals, including the characteristics of alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. Assess your knowledge of hydrocarbon naming conventions and functional groups. This quiz covers essential concepts vital for mastering organic chemistry.