Key Word Definition

General Formula A homologous series’ most simple algebraic formula

Structural Formula The arrangement of the atoms in minimal detail

Displayed Formula The arrangement and relative locations of the atoms and bonds
within a compound

Skeletal Formula The carbon skeleton and associated functional groups are shown
without the alkyl chain hydrogen atoms
Homologous Series A group of organic compounds all possessing the same functional
group but differing in their structure by the addition of CH 2 between
each successive member. Same empirical formula. Shows a trend in
physical properties.
Functional Group The atom or group of atoms in a molecule that determine the
chemical properties of that molecule
Aliphatic A compound containing carbon and hydrogen in straight chains,
branched compounds or cyclic compounds
Alicyclic A cyclic aliphatic compound
Aromatic Structures containing benzene rings
Structural Isomer Compounds which, although having the same molecular formula,
have different structural arrangements
Stereoisomer Compounds which, although having the same structural formula,
have different spatial arrangements
Radical A species with an unpaired electron X •
Homolytic Fission The cleaving of a covalent bond to produce two free radicals (atoms
with unpaired electrons)
Heterolytic Fission The cleaving of a covalent bond in which one atom receives both
electrons to form a cation and an anion
Curly Arrow To show the movement of a pair of electrons during covalent bond
formation or breaking
How a π bond is formed? The p-orbitals of neighbouring carbon atoms overlap sideways,
forming two lobes in which the electrons may be shared and hence
form a π molecular orbital.
Above and below the line of the σ bond
E/Z Isomer An example of stereoisomerism, in terms of restricted rotation
about a double bond and the requirement for two different groups
to be attached to each carbon atom of the C=C group
Cis-trans Isomer A special case of E/Z isomerism in which two of the substituent
groups attached to each carbon atom of the C=C group are the
same
Electrophile Electron pair acceptor
Nucleophile Electron pair donor
Key Word Definition
General Formula A homologous series’ most simple algebraic formula

Structural Formula The arrangement of the atoms in minimal detail

Displayed Formula The arrangement and relative locations of the atoms and bonds within
a compound

Skeletal Formula The carbon skeleton and associated functional groups are shown
without the alkyl chain hydrogen atoms
Homologous Series A group of organic compounds all possessing the same functional
group but differing in their structure by the addition of CH 2 between
each successive member. Same empirical formula. Shows a trend in
physical properties.

Functional Group The atom or group of atoms in a molecule that determine the chemical
properties of that molecule
Aliphatic A compound containing carbon and hydrogen in straight chains,
branched compounds or cyclic compounds
Alicyclic A cyclic aliphatic compound
Aromatic Structures containing benzene rings
Structural Isomer Compounds which, although having the same molecular formula, have
different structural arrangements
Stereoisomer Compounds which, although having the same structural formula, have
different spatial arrangements
Radical A species with an unpaired electron X•
Homolytic Fission The cleaving of a covalent bond to produce two free radicals (atoms
with unpaired electrons)
Heterolytic Fission The cleaving of a covalent bond in which one atom receives both
electrons to form a cation and an anion
Curly Arrow To show the movement of a pair of electrons during covalent bond
formation or breaking
How a π bond is formed? The p-orbitals of neighbouring carbon atoms overlap sideways,
forming two lobes in which the electrons may be shared and hence
form a π molecular orbital.
Above and below the line of the σ bond

E/Z Isomer An example of stereoisomerism, in terms of restricted rotation about a

double bond and the requirement for two different groups to be
attached to each carbon atom of the C=C group
Cis-trans Isomer A special case of E/Z isomerism in which two of the substituent groups
attached to each carbon atom of the C=C group are the same

Electrophile Electron pair acceptor

Nucleophile Electron pair donor