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Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Free A Level Chemistry Revision Cards
Cover functional groups, reaction mechanisms, homologous series and IUPAC nomenclature with these free A Level Organic Chemistry flashcards. A thorough revision tool for exam season.
Question
What is organic chemistry?
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Answer
The study of carbon-containing compounds (hydrocarbons and their derivatives). Carbon forms four bonds and can create chains, rings, and complex structures.
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Question
What is a homologous series?
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Answer
A family of compounds with the same general formula and functional group, differing by CH₂ units. They show a gradual trend in physical properties and similar chemical reactions.
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Question
What are alkanes and their general formula?
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Answer
Saturated hydrocarbons (only C–C single bonds). General formula: CₙH₂ₙ₊₂. Examples: methane (CH₄), ethane (C₂H₆), propane (C₃H₈).
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Question
What are alkenes and their general formula?
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Answer
Unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one C=C double bond. General formula: CₙH₂ₙ. Examples: ethene (C₂H₄), propene (C₃H₆).
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Question
How do you test for an alkene?
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Answer
Add bromine water — alkenes decolourise it from orange/brown to colourless due to addition across the double bond. Alkanes do not decolourise bromine water.
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Question
What is addition polymerisation?
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Answer
Monomers with C=C double bonds join together — the double bond opens and the monomers link into a long chain polymer. Example: ethene → poly(ethene) (polythene).
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Question
What are alcohols and their functional group?
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Answer
Organic compounds containing the –OH (hydroxyl) functional group. General formula: CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH. Examples: methanol, ethanol, propanol.
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Question
What are the uses of ethanol?
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Answer
Solvent (in perfumes, medicines), fuel (bioethanol), and the alcohol in alcoholic drinks. Can be produced by fermentation of sugars or hydration of ethene.
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Question
What is fermentation?
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Answer
The anaerobic conversion of sugars to ethanol and carbon dioxide by yeast enzymes: C₆H₁₂O₆ → 2C₂H₅OH + 2CO₂.
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Question
What are carboxylic acids and their functional group?
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Answer
Organic acids containing the –COOH (carboxyl) functional group. Examples: methanoic acid (HCOOH), ethanoic acid (CH₃COOH — vinegar).
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