TSR Wiki > Study Help > Subjects and Revision > Revision Notes > Chemistry > Definitions of terms 1
Functional Group
An atom or group of atoms which determine the specific chemical properties of an organic compound. Each homologus series has a functional group. Example: alcohols have the functional group -OH.
Electrophile
A species which seeks out negative centres. Can accept a lone pair of electrons.
Nucleophile
A species which seeks out positive centres. Has a lone pair of electrons which can be used to form a dative covalent bond.
Homolytic fission
If a covalent bond breaks such that the electrons in the shared pair are distributed evenly to both the atoms, the fission is called homolytic fission.
Heterolytic fission
If a covalent bond breaks such that both electrons in the shared pair end up with ONE of the atoms, the fission is heterolytic.
Free Radical
A species with an unpaired electron. Are highly reactive. Formed by homolytic fission.
Addition Reaction
Reaction in which a species is added to an organic compound. Nothing is removed.
Substitution Reaction
Reaction in which an atom or group of atoms is REPLACED by a new species.
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