General formula = algebraic formula that can describe any member of a family of compounds.
Empirical formula = the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.
Molecular formula = the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.
Structural formula = arrangement of atoms, carbon by carbon with attached hydrogen and functional groups.
Skeletal formula = bonds of the carbon skeleton only, with any functional groups.
Displayed formula = shows how the atoms are arranged and the bonds between them.
HOMOLOGOUS SERIES = a bunch of organic compounds that have the same functional group and general formula and
successive members of the series differ by a CH2.
HOMOLOGOUS SERIES PREFIX OR SUFFIX
Alkanes -ane
Alkenes -ene
Haloalkanes Chloro-/bromo-/iodo-
Alcohols -ol /hydrox-
Aldehydes -al
Ketones -one
Cycloalkanes Cyclo- … -ane
Carboxylic acids -oic acid
Esters Alkyl- …-anoate
Aromatic = contain a benzene ring.
Aliphatic = contain carbon and hydrogen joined together in straight chains, branched chains or non-aromatic rings.
Alicyclic = if an aliphatic compound contains a non-aromatic ring.
Saturated = single bonds only.
Unsaturated = double bonds or triple bonds or aromatic groups.
Nomenclature = the naming of organic compounds
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Meth- Eth- Prop- But- Pent- Hex- Sept- Oct- Non- Dec-
Isomers = the same molecular formula but a different arrangement.
CHAIN ISOMERRS Carbon skeleton can be arranged differently.
Similar chemical properties but different physical
property.
POSITIONAL ISOMERS Skeleton and functional group the same but
functional group attached to a different part.
Different physical and chemical properties.
(possibility)
FUNCTIONAL GROUP ISOMERS Same atoms can be arranged into different
functional groups.
Very different physical chemical and physical
properties
Empirical formula = the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.
Molecular formula = the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.
Structural formula = arrangement of atoms, carbon by carbon with attached hydrogen and functional groups.
Skeletal formula = bonds of the carbon skeleton only, with any functional groups.
Displayed formula = shows how the atoms are arranged and the bonds between them.
HOMOLOGOUS SERIES = a bunch of organic compounds that have the same functional group and general formula and
successive members of the series differ by a CH2.
HOMOLOGOUS SERIES PREFIX OR SUFFIX
Alkanes -ane
Alkenes -ene
Haloalkanes Chloro-/bromo-/iodo-
Alcohols -ol /hydrox-
Aldehydes -al
Ketones -one
Cycloalkanes Cyclo- … -ane
Carboxylic acids -oic acid
Esters Alkyl- …-anoate
Aromatic = contain a benzene ring.
Aliphatic = contain carbon and hydrogen joined together in straight chains, branched chains or non-aromatic rings.
Alicyclic = if an aliphatic compound contains a non-aromatic ring.
Saturated = single bonds only.
Unsaturated = double bonds or triple bonds or aromatic groups.
Nomenclature = the naming of organic compounds
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
Meth- Eth- Prop- But- Pent- Hex- Sept- Oct- Non- Dec-
Isomers = the same molecular formula but a different arrangement.
CHAIN ISOMERRS Carbon skeleton can be arranged differently.
Similar chemical properties but different physical
property.
POSITIONAL ISOMERS Skeleton and functional group the same but
functional group attached to a different part.
Different physical and chemical properties.
(possibility)
FUNCTIONAL GROUP ISOMERS Same atoms can be arranged into different
functional groups.
Very different physical chemical and physical
properties
