Organic

Front 1

Molecular formula:

Back 1

The formula that represents the number of atoms of each element present in
the molecule. e.g. C4H8O2 is the molecular formula of butanoic acid.

Front 2

Empirical formula:

Back 2

The formula that represents the simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each
element present in the molecule. e.g. C2H4O is the empirical formula of butanoic acid.

Front 3

Displayed formula:

Back 3

a formula showing all atoms and all bonds.

Front 4

Structural formula:

Back 4

a formula that shows how the atoms are bonded together in the molecule.

Front 5

Functional group:

Back 5

an atom or group of atoms that determines the chemical properties of the
molecule. e.g. in butanoic acid has a carboxylic acid functional group.

Front 6

Homologous series:

Back 6

a series of molecules that show a gradual trend in physical properties, can be
represented by a general formula and have the same functional group. Each successive
member of the series differs by a CH2 group. e.g. the alkanes are all CnH2n+2.

Front 7

Structural isomers:

Back 7

molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.

Front 8

Chain isomers:

Back 8

an example of structural isomers in which the carbon chain can be arranged
differently (e.g. straight chain, branched chain)

Front 9

Position isomers:

Back 9

an example of structural isomers in which a functional group appears in different
places on the same carbon skeleton.

Front 10

Functional group isomers:

Back 10

compounds with the same molecular formula but different functional
groups. e.g. hex-1-ene and cyclohexane are functional group isomers

Front 11

Alkanes:

Back 11

an homologous series of saturated hydrocarbons.

Front 12

Saturated:

Back 12

containing single bonds only.

Front 13

Hydrocarbon:

Back 13

compound containing hydrogen and carbon atoms only.

Front 14

Fractional distillation:

Back 14

a method used to separate miscible liquids according to their boiling points
by evaporation followed by condensation in the presence of a fractionating column.

Front 15

Fraction:

Back 15

a mixture of compounds with similar boiling points (narrow boiling point range).

Front 16

Cracking:

Back 16

a reaction in which C-C bonds are broken in less useful, higher molecular mass alkanes
to produce smaller, more useful alkane(s) and alkene(s).

Front 17

Fuel:

Back 17

a substance which releases heat when it burns.

Front 18

Complete combustion:

Back 18

burning in a plentiful supply of oxygen

Front 19

Incomplete combustion:

Back 19

burning in a limited supply of oxygen.

Front 20

Desulfurisation:

Back 20

the process by which sulfur dioxide is removed from flue gases, often by reacting
with calcium oxide.