Summary from Organic
Chemistry Packet:
Introduction to organic chemistry
1. Nomenclature based on alkanes
• Know alkanes for C1-C10
• Recognize the formula/name of
– Alkenes (double bond)
– Alkynes (triple bond)
– Cycloalkanes (ring structure)
Ex: Write the chemical formula and structural formula for:
Octane
2- Butyne
1, 3- Heptadiene
Hydrocarbons
• Compounds of C and H and often a third or more
additional elements
• Subgroups:
– Alkanes: Containing only C-C single bonds
– Alkenes: C=C double bonds as well as single bonds
– Alkynes: carbon-carbon triple bonds as well as single
bonds.
– Aromatic: hydrocarbons containing benzene rings.
2. Branched alkanes and isomers
• Understand the basic rules for writing &
naming branched alkanes.
• Recognize and name structural isomers
Ex: Name the following molecules:
Hydrocarbons & Structural Isomerism
Isomers of C5H12
CH 3CH2 CH2CH2 CH3
Pentane
CH3
CH 3CHCH 2CH3
2-Methylbutane
CH3
H3CCCH3
CH3
2,2-Dimethylpropane
C5H12 has 3 structural isomers.
C6H14 has 5
C7H14 has 9
And so on
How many isomers can you draw for
heptane?
Alkenes: Compounds with C=C Double
Bonds
• Result of loss of free rotation about the C=C
brings about “Geometric Isomers”
• Increase in reactivity over alkanes
• X-Y addition reactions are possible
• X2, H2, HX and H2O can add across the double
bond.
Geometric (stereo) Isomers:
• Recognize the terms cis-, trans- isomers
– Unsaturated molecules
– Orientation around the double bond
Naming Alkenes: cis & trans
Alkynes
• Alkynes have carbon-carbon triple bonds.
• C2H2:
common name = acetylene
systematic name = ethyne
Preparation:
CaC2(s) + 2H2O(l) 
C2H2 (g) + Ca(OH)2(s)
Aromatic compounds
• Benzene, C6H6, is a key
molecule in chemistry.
• It is the simplest
aromatic compound, a
class of compounds so
named because they
have significant, and
usually not unpleasant,
odors.
Functional Groups:
• Recognize functional groups
• Name compounds based on functional groups
Organic chemistry & reactions
• Be familiar with some basic properties of an organic
reaction:
–
–
–
–
Combustion (know this for sure!)
Condensation (H2O removed)
Addition ( of a halogen to an unsaturated alkane)
Substitution (of a halide)