Organic Chemistry Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

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

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

• Functional Group: Specific group of atoms that impart characteristic properties to a molecule. ✅

Important Concepts

Hydrocarbons

• Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons (single bonds). General formula: C_nH_(2n+2). ✅

• Alkenes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons (at least one double bond). General formula: C_nH_(2n). ✅

• Alkynes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons (at least one triple bond). General formula: C_nH_(2n-2). ✅

Isomerism

• Structural Isomers: Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures. ✅

• Geometric Isomers: Compounds with the same formula and connectivity but different spatial arrangements. ✅

Key Formulas

• Molecular Formula: C_nH_(2n+2) (for alkanes) ✅

• Degree of Unsaturation: DU = (2n + 2 - x)/2

• n: number of carbons

• x: number of halogens and nitrogens ✅

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing alkenes and alkynes due to similar names. Remember, alkenes have double bonds, alkynes have triple bonds.

Memory Tricks

Tip: "Auntie Always Loves Apples" —

• A: Alkanes

• A: Alkenes

• L: Alkynes

• A: Aromatics

Key Diagrams

Alkane:         H   H   H
                |   |   |
       H - C - C - C - C - H
                |   |   |
                H   H   H
Alkene:        H   H   H
               |   |   |
       H - C = C - C - C - H
               |   |   |
               H   H   H
Alkyne:        H   H   H
               |   |   |
       H - C ≡ C - C - C - H
               |   |   |
               H   H   H