Organic Chemistry Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Organic Chemistry: Study of carbon-containing compounds. ✅

• Hydrocarbons: Compounds consisting only of hydrogen and carbon. ✅

• Functional Group: Specific group of atoms responsible for characteristic reactions. ✅

Important Concepts

Hydrocarbons

• Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons (single bonds).

• Alkenes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons (at least one double bond).

• Alkynes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons (at least one triple bond).

Isomerism

• Structural Isomers: Same molecular formula, different connectivity. ✅

• Geometric Isomers: Same connectivity, different spatial arrangement (cis/trans).

Reaction Mechanisms

• Nucleophilic Substitution: Nucleophile attacks electrophile, replacing a leaving group. ✅

• Elimination Reactions: Removal of elements from a molecule, forming double bonds.

Key Formulas

C_nH_(2n+2) for alkanes. ✅

• n: Number of carbon atoms.

C_nH_(2n) for alkenes. ✅

• n: Number of carbon atoms.

C_nH_(2n-2) for alkynes. ✅

• n: Number of carbon atoms.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing alkenes and alkynes based on the number of hydrogen atoms.

Memory Tricks

Tip: "A Lively Aardvark" —

• A: Alkanes

• L: Alkenes

• A: Alkynes

Key Diagrams

    Alkanes: C-C-C
    Alkenes: C=C
    Alkynes: C≡C