Study Notes
Organic chemistry involves the study of carbon-containing compounds and their properties. Compounds are named using prefixes and suffixes that indicate the number of carbon atoms and the functional groups present.
- Meth- — prefix for compounds with 1 carbon atom Example: Methane (CH₄)
- Eth- — prefix for compounds with 2 carbon atoms Example: Ethane (C₂H₆)
- Prop- — prefix for compounds with 3 carbon atoms Example: Propane
- But- — prefix for compounds with 4 carbon atoms Example: Butane
- Alkane — compounds with single C-C bonds Example: Methane (CH₄)
- Alkene — compounds with at least one C=C bond Example: Ethene (C₂H₄)
- Alcohol — compounds with an OH group Example: Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)
- Carboxylic acid — compounds with a COOH group Example: Ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH)
- Homologous series — a family of compounds with similar properties and functional groups Example: Alkanes, Alkenes
- Saturated compound — all single C-C bonds Example: Alkanes
- Unsaturated compound — contains double or triple C-C bonds Example: Alkenes
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Homologous series
- Saturated compound
- Unsaturated compound
- Alkane
- Alkene
- Alcohol
- Carboxylic acid
Common Confusions
- Confusing saturated and unsaturated compounds
- Misidentifying functional groups
Typical Exam Questions
- What is the general formula for alkanes? CnH2n+2
- How do alkenes react with bromine water? They decolourise bromine water from orange to colourless.
- What is the structural formula of ethanol? C₂H₅OH
What Examiners Usually Test
- Ability to name organic compounds correctly
- Understanding of functional groups and their reactions
- Differences between saturated and unsaturated compounds