How carbon forms four bonds, writing molecular, condensed and fully displayed formulae, the characteristics of a homologous series, IUPAC names up to six carbons, and structural isomerism.
5 narrated scenes. Press play, listen and read along — the points appear as they are explained. Use ‹ Prev / Next › or the scene bar to jump to any scene.
There are millions of organic compounds, but they follow a handful of patterns. Once you know how to name and draw them, the whole of organic chemistry opens up.
Narration uses your device’s built-in voice. No sound? Switch to “Captions only” — the captions advance on their own.
Compare butane with its branched isomer 2-methylpropane: same atoms, different structure.
Copy these into your notebook in your own words — that is how they stick.
Forms four covalent bonds; chains, branches and rings.
Molecular, condensed, fully displayed.
Same functional group and general formula; similar chemistry; gradual physical change; differ by CH₂.
Alkane CₙH₂ₙ₊₂; alkene CₙH₂ₙ; alcohol CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH; acid CₙH₂ₙ₊₁COOH.
meth, eth, prop, but, pent, hex.
-ane, -ene, -anol, -anoic acid.
Same molecular formula, different structure.
Only single C–C bonds / contains C=C.
3 quick games on this lesson. Earn XP and badges as you play — your best score for each game is saved. Games are for practice and do not change your exam readiness. More games in the Chemistry Arcade.
8 items modelled on real CSEC Paper 1 questions. Choose one answer for each, then check. Aim for 80% or better. Work each item on paper first.
Write full answers, then reveal the mark scheme and tick the points you earned (16 marks in total). Show all your working — method marks count. Your answers are saved on this device.
Question 1 [16 marks]
The compounds ethane, ethene, ethanol and ethanoic acid belong to different homologous series.
(a) (a) Define the term homologous series. [3]
(b) (b) State the general formula of the alkenes and the molecular formula of the alkene with 5 carbon atoms. [2]
(c) (c) Draw the fully displayed formulae of ethane and ethene. [4]
(d) (d) Name the functional group in ethanol and in ethanoic acid. [2]
(e) (e) Define structural isomerism and draw the two isomers of C₄H₁₀. [4]
(f) (f) Name the compound CH₃CH(CH₃)CH₃. [1]
Find these in your own past-paper booklets for extra timed practice. Items above are written in the style of these papers; any adapted from a specific question say so.