Addition and Elimination Reactions

An examination of addition reactions to double bonds and elimination reactions forming double bonds.

Definition: Addition reactions involve the addition of atoms or groups across a double bond.

Vocabulary: Markovnikov's Rule governs the regioselectivity of addition reactions.

Example: The addition of water to alkenes forming alcohols.

Condensation and Redox Reactions

The final section covers condensation reactions and oxidation-reduction processes in organic chemistry.

Definition: Condensation reactions join two molecules with the loss of a small molecule, typically water.

Example: Esterification between alcohols and carboxylic acids.

Highlight: The importance of these reactions in biological systems and industrial processes.

Introduction to Isomerism

This page introduces the fundamental concepts of isomerism in organic chemistry, explaining how compounds with identical molecular formulas can have different structural arrangements.

Definition: Isomers are compounds that share the same molecular formula but have different structural arrangements or spatial orientations.

Vocabulary: Structural isomers include chain isomers, position isomers, and functional isomers.

Example: Butane (CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃) and methylpropane demonstrate chain isomerism.

Highlight: The different arrangements of atoms lead to distinct physical and chemical properties, despite having identical molecular formulas.