Organic Molecules and Their Structures

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What are hydrocarbons?

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen atoms.

What are alkanes?

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with single carbon-carbon bonds, often called paraffins.

Describe a characteristic of alkenes.

Alkenes contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond.

What is the general formula for alkynes?

The general formula for alkynes is CnH2n-2.

How do aromatic hydrocarbons differ from alkanes and alkenes?

Aromatic hydrocarbons contain a planar ring of atoms that follows Huckel's rule, often involving delocalized electrons.

What is an example of an aromatic hydrocarbon?

Benzene is an example of an aromatic hydrocarbon.

What is a functional group in organic chemistry?

A functional group is a specific grouping of atoms within molecules that determine their chemical reactions and properties.

Name a functional group present in alcohols.

The hydroxyl group (-OH) is present in alcohols.

What functional group characterizes carboxylic acids?

Carboxylic acids are characterized by the carboxyl group (-COOH).

What is an isomer?

Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements.

What is stereoisomerism?

Stereoisomerism refers to isomers that have the same sequence of bonded atoms, but different 3D orientations.

Give an example of a compound with stereoisomers.

Glucose is an example, existing as D-glucose and L-glucose.

What are polymers made of?

Polymers are made of long chains of repeating units called monomers.

What is an application of synthetic polymers?

Synthetic polymers are used in producing plastic materials such as PVC.

How does chain length affect polymer properties?

Longer chain lengths generally increase tensile strength and durability.