A-Level Chemistry · Topic 7
Organic chemistry: functional groups and mechanisms: every key term you need (+ practice quiz)
16 flashcard terms for A-Level Chemistry Topic 7, written to match the course framework. Study them here, then drill them as interactive flashcards, or test yourself with the 8-question quiz — free, no account needed.
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Homologous series A family of organic compounds with the same functional group and general formula, each differing by CH2, with gradually changing physical properties.
Structural isomerism Same molecular formula, different atom connectivity — as chain, position or functional group isomers.
Stereoisomerism Same connectivity, different spatial arrangement. Covers E-Z isomerism about a double bond and optical isomerism.
Optical isomerism Occurs at a chiral carbon bonded to four different groups. The two non-superimposable mirror images rotate plane-polarised light oppositely.
Racemic mixture Equal amounts of both optical isomers, so the rotations cancel and no net optical activity is observed.
Free radical substitution Initiation by homolytic fission under ultraviolet light, then propagation and termination. Gives a mixture of products, so it is poor for synthesis.
Electrophilic addition Alkenes react through their electron-rich double bond, which attracts an electrophile and forms a carbocation intermediate.
Markovnikov's rule The major product forms through the more stable carbocation, since alkyl groups donate electron density and stabilise the positive charge.
Nucleophilic substitution A nucleophile attacks the partially positive carbon of a halogenoalkane, displacing the halide as a leaving group.
Elimination reaction Hot ethanolic hydroxide acts as a base rather than a nucleophile, removing hydrogen halide to form an alkene.
Electrophilic substitution Benzene's delocalised ring is attacked by an electrophile, then a proton is lost — preserving the stable delocalised system.
Benzene delocalisation Each carbon contributes one p electron to a ring-wide delocalised system. Its enthalpy of hydrogenation is far less exothermic than predicted.
Carbonyl nucleophilic addition The polar carbon-oxygen double bond is attacked by a nucleophile such as cyanide, lengthening the carbon chain by one.
Esterification A carboxylic acid and an alcohol react reversibly under acid catalysis to give an ester and water.
Condensation polymer Formed by repeated condensation, eliminating a small molecule each time. Polyesters and polyamides can be hydrolysed, so they are biodegradable.
Zwitterion An amino acid's internal ion, with a protonated amine and deprotonated carboxyl group. Forms at the isoelectric point.
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