Saturated
Compounds which contain only single bonds
Unsaturated
Compounds which contain double or triple bonds
Aliphatics
Compounds which do not contain a benzene ring; may be saturated or unsaturated
Arenes
Compounds which contain a benzene ring; all unsaturated
Electrophile (electron-seeking)
An electron-deficient species which is therefore attracted to parts of molecules which are electron rich
Nucleophile (nucleus-seeking)
An electron-rich species which is therefore attracted to parts of molecules which are electron deficient
Addition Reaction
Two reactants combine to form a single product (characteristic of unsaturated compounds)
Substitution Reaction
One atom or group of atoms in a compound is replaced by a different atom or group (characteristic of saturated and aromatic compounds)
Addition-elimination
Occurs when two reactants join together (addition) and in the process a small molecule such as H2O, HCl or NH3 is lost (elimination)
- reaction occurs between a functional group in each reactant
- also called condensation reaction
Homolytic Fission
Covalent bond breaks by splitting the shared pair of electrons between the two products. Produces two free radicals, each with an unpaired electron.
Heterolytic Fission
A covalent bond breaks with both the shared electrons going to one of the products
- produces two oppositely charged ions