10.1 Organic Chemistry Terms

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