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Organic Compound Names, Structures and Types
Core:
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Name and draw the structures of methane, ethane, ethene, ethanol, ethanoic acid and the products of the reactions stated in sections 14.4–14.6
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State the type of compound present, given a chemical name ending in -ane, -ene, -ol, or -oic acid or a molecular structure
Introduction
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Organic Chemistry is the scientific study of the structure, properties, and reactions of organic compounds. Organic compounds are those which contain carbon.
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For conventional reasons metal carbonates, carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide are not included in organic compounds.
Definition of a hydrocarbon
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A compound that contains only hydrogen and carbon atoms.
Different types of formulae in organic chemistry
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These compounds undergo complete and incomplete combustion.
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Complete combustion occurs when there is excess oxygen so water and carbon dioxide form e.g:
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Incomplete combustion occurs when there is insufficient oxygen to burn so either carbon monoxide and water or carbon and water form e.g:
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Names of compounds
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The names of organic compounds have two parts: the prefix or stem and the end part (or suffix).
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The prefix tells you how many carbon atoms are present in the longest continuous chain in the compound.
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The suffix tells you what functional group is on the compound.
Structures
Further rules for naming compounds
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When there is more than one carbon atom where a functional group can be located it is important to distinguish exactly which carbon the functional group is on.
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Each carbon is numbered and these numbers are used to describe where the functional group is.
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When 2 functional groups are present di- is used as a prefix to the second part of the name.
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Branching also needs to be considered, the carbon atoms with the branches are described by their number.
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When the location of functional groups and branches needs to be described the functional group takes precedence so the functional group has the lowest number.
Examples of branched molecules
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For the CIE 0620 course you will not be asked to name branched chain organic compounds but you will come across them.
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It is useful to know that the numbers in the names of these compounds refer to the position of the side chains with respect to the main chain.
Extended Subject Content
Supplement:
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Name and draw the structures of the unbranched alkanes, alkenes (not cis-trans), alcohols and acids containing up to four carbon atoms per molecule
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Name and draw the structural formulae of the esters which can be made from unbranched alcohols and carboxylic acids, each containing up to four carbon atoms
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