Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Organic Chemistry

Top 10 Commonly Confused Words in Organic Chemistry 1. Alkane vs. Alkene One of the fundamental distinctions in organic chemistry is between alkanes and alkenes. Alkanes are hydrocarbons with only single bonds, while alkenes have at least one double bond. A simple way to remember this is that the 'e' in alkene stands for 'extra' bond. Understanding this difference is crucial, as it affects the reactivity and properties of these compounds. 2. Isomer vs. Resonance Structure Isomers and resonance structures are often confused terms. Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements, while resonance structures are different representations of the same molecule, with the actual structure being a hybrid of these forms. Isomers have distinct physical and chemical properties, while resonance structures contribute to the overall stability of a molecule. 3. Electrophile vs. Nucleophile Electrophiles and nucleophiles are key players in organic reactions. Electrophiles are electron-deficient species that seek electrons, while nucleophiles are electron-rich species that donate electrons. A helpful way to remember this is that 'electro' in electrophile relates to a positive charge, while 'nucleo' in nucleophile relates to a nucleus or a center of electron density. 4. Substitution vs. Elimination Substitution and elimination reactions are two common types of organic reactions. In a substitution, one functional group is replaced by another, while in an elimination, a small molecule, often water, is removed. The choice between these two pathways depends on factors such as the reaction conditions and the nature of the starting material.