Organic Chemistry Definitions

• Hydrocarbon: molecule that only contains carbon and hydrogen
• Empirical formula: simplest whole number ratio of atom of an element in a compound
• Molecular formula: tells number of atoms of each different element that make up a molecule
• Displayed formula: formula drawn out so atom and bonds shown
• Structural formula: way of writting of organic compounds where bonds aren't shown
• Functional group: atom or group of atoms in organic molecule responsible for characteristics and chemical properties e.g. C=C, bromo
• Homologous series: set of organic compounds with same functional group. Compounds differ in chain length
• Alkane: unsaturated hydrocarbon with just single carbon bonds
• Alkene: saturated hydrocarbon with double carbon bonds

Structural isomers: molecules with the same molecular formula but different structures

Chain isomers: substances with the same molecular formula but the hydrocarbon chain is arranged differently

Positional isomers: substances with the same molecular formula but functional groups in different positions

Functional group isomer: substances with the same molecular formula but different functional group ( different homologous series) e.g. Alkenes, cycloalkanes