TOPIC 10:
Organic Chemistry
10.1 Homologous Series (SL/HL)
This is the name given to a group of compounds that can be described by a general formula.
Name Alkanes Alkenes Alcohols
General CnH2n+2 CnH2n CnH2n+2O
Formula
Examples CH3CH3 CH2CH2 CH3CH2OH
CH3CH2CH3 CH2CHCH3 CH3CH2CH2OH
CH3CH2CH2CH3 CH2CHCH2CH3 CH3CH2CH2CH2OH
All members of a homologeous series have similar chemical properties.
The next member in a homologeous series differs by a –CH2- group (called a repeating unit).
• This causes a gradual change in physical properties as the chain length increases. (see below)
10.1 Physical Properties in Homologous Series
• Boiling Point increases as chain length increases.
• This is due to an increase in Van De Waal forces between the molecules as the molar mass (and surface area) increases.
10.1 Representing Organic Structures
Organic structures can be represented in a variety of ways:
Empirical Formula: Simplest ratio of atoms of each elements in a compound.
E.g. Pentene: Empirical Formula = CH2
Molecular Formula: Actual numbers of atoms of each element present in the compound.
E.g. Pentene: Molecular Formula = C5H10
Structural Formula: How the atoms are arranged in the molecule.
Condensed structural formula shows the position of the atoms but omits the bonds.
E.g. Propene: CH2=CHCH2CH2CH3 or CH2CH(CH2)2CH3
Full structural formula/graphic formula/displayed formula = Shows every atom and bond.
E.g. Propene: H H H H H
C=C - C - C - C - H
H H H H H
Show the condensed structural formula and the full structural of the following molecule:
Hexane: Molecular formula = C6H14
TOK: Why is it necessary to use different types of formula to represent organic molecules?
10.1 Functional Groups (SL/HL)
• The functional group is the reactive...