Organic molecules

Table of Contents

1. Organic molecules
2. Hydrocarbons
   1. Names and structures of hydrocarbons
3. Reactions of hydrocarbons
   1. Substitution reactions
   2. Addition reactions
4. Functional groups
   1. Identifying functional groups
5. Alcohols
   1. Structure of alcohols
   2. Physical properties of alcohols
6. Reactions of alcohols
   1. Oxidation reactions
   2. Carboxylic acids
   3. Alcohols, carboxylic acids and esters
   4. Identification of alcohols
7. Nitrogen in organic molecules
   1. Amines
   2. Amino acids
8. Determination of formulae and structures
   1. Empirical formulae
   2. Molecular mass and formula

1. Additional resources:
   1. Glossary
   2. Print content

Determination of formulae and structures

In Stage 2 Chemistry you would have tackled some problems involving working out the empirical formula of compounds based on the masses of carbon and hydrogen in the compound. Now that you have encountered a greater range of organic compounds it is time to revisit this area and to see whether you can apply your calculation skills to some new situations.

In this section you will revise the idea of empirical formulae and see how empirical formulae can be used to determine molecular formulae. Then you will be asked to combine these skills with your knowledge of organic molecules and functional groups. This should enable you to predict the structure of the organic molecules.