Organic Chemistry - Lessons 1 & 2

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangement.

A carbon atom bonded to four different groups, making it asymmetric. It rotates the plane of polarized light.

Stereoisomers that are non-superimposable mirror images of each other.

Isomers that differ in the arrangement of atoms around a double bond.

The larger the hydrocarbon chain, the weaker the intermolecular forces, leading to slower reactions.

A chemical reaction where an atom or group is replaced by another atom or group, typically occurring in saturated organic compounds with single bonds.

A type of substitution reaction initiated by a free radical, which acts as the agent.

A substitution reaction where an electron-rich species replaces an atom or group, commonly seen in aromatic compounds with resonant structures.

A substitution reaction where an electron-poor species replaces an atom or group.

A chemical reaction where an atom or group is added to a compound, typically seen in unsaturated compounds with double or triple bonds.

A type of addition reaction where an electron-poor species adds to a compound.

A type of addition reaction where an electron-rich species adds to a compound.

A chemical reaction characterized by the addition of oxygen to an organic compound or the removal of hydrogen.

A chemical species with an unpaired electron.

A reaction that proceeds in a series of steps, with each step involving a radical.

The initial step in a chain reaction where a radical is formed.

A step in a chain reaction where a radical reacts with a molecule to produce a new radical and a product.

The final step in a chain reaction where radicals combine to form stable products.

The ability of an atom, especially carbon, to form long chains or ring structures by bonding with other atoms of the same element.

A region of space where electrons are shared by two or more atoms.

A combination of atomic orbitals (primarily s and p) that results in a new hybrid orbital with different properties. This hybridization is essential for the geometry and bonding of molecules.

A way to represent a molecule showing all atoms and bonds, useful for understanding the structure of the molecule.

A way to represent a molecule showing the arrangement of atoms and bonds, with each carbon atom represented by a vertex and each bond represented by a line.

A series of organic compounds with the same functional group but differing in length of the carbon chain by a -CH2 unit.

Organic compounds consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms.

A group of hydrocarbons with single bonds between all carbon atoms. Their general formula is C(n)H(2n+2).

A reaction where an alcohol's -OH group is removed or replaced with an atom or group, often through nucleophilic substitution or dehydration.

A reaction where an alcohol reacts with a strong base like sodium (Na) to produce an alkoxide ion and hydrogen gas.

The naming of ethers follows IUPAC rules: name both alkyl groups connected to the oxygen atom, arrange them alphabetically. For symmetrical ethers, name the alkyl group and add 'di'. Non-IUPAC methods exist.

A class of organic compounds where the oxygen atom is bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups (R-O-R). They are relatively unreactive but can be good solvents. They are produced by reacting an alcohol with an alkyl halide.

Compounds with an -OH group directly attached to an aromatic ring. They are more acidic than alcohols due to the aromatic ring's influence.

A reaction where an electrophile substitutes a hydrogen atom on an aromatic ring. Phenols are particularly reactive in this type of reaction.

The OH group in phenols is a strong ortho/para directing group in electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions. This means that substituents will preferentially attach at the ortho or para positions relative to the OH group.

Phenols are more acidic than alcohols due to the electron-withdrawing nature of the aromatic ring. This makes the hydrogen atom of the hydroxyl group more acidic.

The addition of hydrogen gas (H2) to an alkene, breaking the double bond and forming a single bond. This results in an alkane.

The addition of water (H2O) to an alkene, breaking the double bond and forming an alcohol.

The addition of a halogen (X2) to an alkene, breaking the double bond and forming a dihaloalkane.

The addition of a hydrogen halide (HX) to an alkene, breaking the double bond and forming a haloalkane.

A rule stating that in the addition of a hydrogen halide (HX) to an alkene, the hydrogen atom attaches to the carbon with more hydrogen atoms already attached, while the halogen attaches to the carbon with fewer hydrogen atoms. This results in the formation of the more stable carbocation.

A cyclic compound with alternating double bonds and single bonds, fulfilling Huckel's rule (4n+2 pi electrons, where n is an integer) and exhibiting resonance stabilization.

A substitution reaction where an electrophile attacks an aromatic compound, replacing a hydrogen atom with an electrophilic group.

Cyclic compounds without any double bonds.