11.1

Formulae, functional groups and nomenclature

12 flashcards to master Formulae, functional groups and nomenclature

Smart Spaced Repetition

Rate each card Hard, Okay, or Easy after flipping. Your progress is saved and cards are scheduled for optimal review intervals.

Definition Flip

What is the general formula for alkanes?

Answer Flip

Alkanes have the general formula CnH2n+2, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Example: butane (n=4) has the formula C4H10.
Definition Flip

What is the general formula for alkenes?

Answer Flip

Alkenes have the general formula CnH2n, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Example: ethene (n=2) has the formula C2H4.
Definition Flip

What is the general formula for alcohols?

Answer Flip

Alcohols have the general formula CnH2n+1OH, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Example: ethanol (n=2) has the formula C2H5OH.
Definition Flip

What is the general formula for carboxylic acids?

Answer Flip

Carboxylic acids have the general formula CnH2n+1COOH, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Example: ethanoic acid (n=1) has the formula CH3COOH.
Definition Flip

Define a functional group.

Answer Flip

A functional group is an atom or group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.

Example: the -OH group in alcohols.
Definition Flip

What are structural isomers?

Answer Flip

Structural isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural formulae (different arrangements of atoms).

Example: butane (CH3CH2CH2CH3) and 2-methylpropane (CH3CH(CH3)CH3) both have the formula C4H10.
Definition Flip

What is a homologous series?

Answer Flip

A homologous series is a family of organic compounds with the same functional group, similar chemical properties, and a general formula, with each successive member differing by a -CH2- unit. Alkanes are an example.

Definition Flip

What defines a saturated compound?

Answer Flip

A saturated compound is one in which all carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds. Alkanes are saturated compounds (

Example: ethane, C2H6).
Definition Flip

What defines an unsaturated compound?

Answer Flip

An unsaturated compound is one in which one or more carbon-carbon bonds are not single bonds (i.e., they are double or triple bonds). Alkenes and alkynes are unsaturated (

Example: ethene, C2H4).
Key Concept Flip

List four general characteristics of a homologous series.

Answer Flip

Homologous series have the same functional group, the same general formula, differ by a –CH2– unit, display a trend in physical properties, and share similar chemical properties.

Key Concept Flip

Give the correct systematic name for Isopropyl alcohol.

Answer Flip

The correct systematic (IUPAC) name for isopropyl alcohol is propan-2-ol. This indicates that the -OH group is attached to the second carbon atom in a three-carbon chain.

Key Concept Flip

What reactants are required to produce ethyl propanoate?

Answer Flip

To produce ethyl propanoate you will need ethanol and propanoic acid and concentrated sulfuric acid as a catalyst.

Review the material

Read revision notes with definitions, equations, and exam tips.

Read Notes

Test yourself

Practice with MCQ questions to check your understanding.

Take Quiz
10.3 Carbon dioxide and methane 11.2 Alkanes

Key Questions: Formulae, functional groups and nomenclature

What is the general formula for alkanes?

Alkanes have the general formula CnH2n+2, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Example: butane (n=4) has the formula C4H10.
What is the general formula for alkenes?

Alkenes have the general formula CnH2n, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Example: ethene (n=2) has the formula C2H4.
What is the general formula for alcohols?

Alcohols have the general formula CnH2n+1OH, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Example: ethanol (n=2) has the formula C2H5OH.
What is the general formula for carboxylic acids?

Carboxylic acids have the general formula CnH2n+1COOH, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Example: ethanoic acid (n=1) has the formula CH3COOH.
Define a functional group.

A functional group is an atom or group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.

Example: the -OH group in alcohols.

About Formulae, functional groups and nomenclature (11.1)

These 12 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Formulae, functional groups and nomenclature for your Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

What You'll Learn

How to Study Effectively

Use the Study Mode button above to test yourself one card at a time. Try to answer each question before flipping the card. Review cards you find difficult more frequently.

Continue Learning

After mastering Formulae, functional groups and nomenclature, explore these related topics: