Organic Chemistry Basics Cheatsheet

Cheat Codes & Shortcuts

• Definition: Organic chemistry studies carbon-containing compounds.
• Functional Groups: Specific groups of atoms responsible for characteristic reactions.
• Hybridization: Carbon can be \( sp^3 \), \( sp^2 \), or \( sp \) hybridized.
• Nomenclature: IUPAC names based on longest carbon chain and functional groups.
• Isomerism: Compounds with same molecular formula but different structures.
• Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons, general formula \( C_nH_{2n+2} \).
• Alkenes: Contain at least one \( C=C \) double bond, \( C_nH_{2n} \).
• Alkynes: Contain at least one \( C≡C \) triple bond, \( C_nH_{2n-2} \).
• Electronegativity: Influences polarity and reactivity of molecules.
• Resonance: Delocalization of electrons in conjugated systems.

Quick Reference Table

Type	Form	Key Feature
Alkane	\( C_nH_{2n+2} \)	Single bonds, saturated
Alkene	\( C_nH_{2n} \)	Double bond, unsaturated
Alkyne	\( C_nH_{2n-2} \)	Triple bond, unsaturated
Aromatic	Benzene (\( C_6H_6 \))	Conjugated ring, resonance
Alcohol	R-OH	Hydroxyl group
Carbonyl	R-C=O	Ketone or aldehyde group

Advice

Organic Chemistry Quick Tips

• Functional Groups: Learn key groups like -OH, -COOH, -NH2 for reactivity.
• IUPAC Naming: Number the carbon chain to give functional groups the lowest numbers.
• Isomerism: Check for structural, geometric, or optical isomers.
• Hybridization: Use bond angles: \( sp^3 \) (~109.5°), \( sp^2 \) (~120°), \( sp \) (~180°).
• Reaction Types: Focus on substitution, elimination, and addition reactions.

Organic Chemistry Speed Quiz

Test your speed with 5 organic chemistry questions! You have 30 seconds per question.