Functional groups, nomenclature and isomerism

Learning objectives

Describe a homologous series as a family of compounds with the same general formula and functional group whose successive members differ by CH₂, and explain the trends in boiling point, volatility and solubility along a series

Recognise and name the functional groups of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, halogenoalkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amines, amides, nitriles, ethers and arenes

Apply IUPAC rules to name and to draw straight-chain and branched compounds containing up to six carbon atoms, and convert between full structural, condensed and skeletal formulas

Identify and draw structural isomers, distinguishing chain, position and functional group isomerism, and deduce the number of isomers of a given molecular formula

(HL) Identify cis–trans and E/Z stereoisomers of alkenes and of ring compounds, explain why restricted rotation about a double bond makes them possible, and compare the physical properties of the two forms

(HL) Identify a chiral carbon atom, describe enantiomers as non-superimposable mirror images that rotate plane-polarised light in opposite directions, and explain why a racemic mixture is optically inactive