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11 Dec 2025

218

2 pages

Understanding Organic Chemistry: Formulas, Isomers, and E-Z Notation

A

Antonina Ch @ntonina_ch

Organic chemistry is all about understanding how carbon-based molecules are structured and named. You'll master different ways to... Show more

# Organic chemistry

Introduction to organic chem
*   general formula - an algebraic formula, can be applied to chemicals in a family eng $C

Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Ever wondered how chemists make sense of millions of different carbon compounds? It all starts with understanding the different ways to write chemical formulas.

General formulas give you the pattern for entire families of compounds (like CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ for alkanes). Empirical formulas show the simplest ratio of atoms, whilst structural formulas reveal how atoms connect without showing every bond. Skeletal formulas are the shorthand version - just carbon bonds with functional groups visible.

Homologous series are families of compounds sharing the same functional group and general formula. Think alkanes ane-ane, alkenes ene-ene, alcohols ol-ol, and carboxylic acids oicacid-oic acid. Each series follows predictable patterns that make learning much easier.

The IUPAC naming system is chemistry's universal language. Find the longest carbon chain, identify the functional group for your suffix, number the chain so the functional group gets the lowest possible number, then add any side chains as prefixes in alphabetical order.

Quick Tip Always start curly arrows from areas with electron pairs (like double bonds or lone pairs) - they show exactly how electrons move during reactions.

# Organic chemistry

Introduction to organic chem
*   general formula - an algebraic formula, can be applied to chemicals in a family eng $C

Structural Isomers and Stereoisomers

Isomers are like molecular twins with identical formulas but completely different personalities - and they're everywhere in organic chemistry!

Structural isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. Chain isomers rearrange the carbon skeleton pentanevs2methylbutanepentane vs 2-methylbutane, whilst positional isomers move functional groups to different positions pentan1olvspentan2olpentan-1-ol vs pentan-2-ol. Functional group isomers are the shape-shifters - same formula, completely different functional groups like pent-1-ene and cyclopentane.

Stereoisomers take things further - identical structural formulas but different spatial arrangements. E/Z isomerism occurs around C=C double bonds where rotation is restricted. Remember E means opposite sides of the double bond, Z means same side.

When you've got four different groups around a double bond, use CIP rules compare atomic numbers of atoms directly bonded to each carbon of the C=C bond. Higher atomic number equals higher priority, and this determines whether you've got E or Z isomerism.

Memory Hack "Z" looks like it brings things to the "Zame side", whilst "E" stands for "Entgegen" (German for opposite).

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4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

 

Chemistry

218

11 Dec 2025

2 pages

Understanding Organic Chemistry: Formulas, Isomers, and E-Z Notation

A

Antonina Ch

@ntonina_ch

Organic chemistry is all about understanding how carbon-based molecules are structured and named. You'll master different ways to represent molecules and learn the systematic naming rules that chemists use worldwide.

# Organic chemistry

Introduction to organic chem
*   general formula - an algebraic formula, can be applied to chemicals in a family eng $C

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Improve your grades

Join milions of students

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Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Ever wondered how chemists make sense of millions of different carbon compounds? It all starts with understanding the different ways to write chemical formulas.

General formulas give you the pattern for entire families of compounds (like CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ for alkanes). Empirical formulas show the simplest ratio of atoms, whilst structural formulas reveal how atoms connect without showing every bond. Skeletal formulas are the shorthand version - just carbon bonds with functional groups visible.

Homologous series are families of compounds sharing the same functional group and general formula. Think alkanes ane-ane, alkenes ene-ene, alcohols ol-ol, and carboxylic acids oicacid-oic acid. Each series follows predictable patterns that make learning much easier.

The IUPAC naming system is chemistry's universal language. Find the longest carbon chain, identify the functional group for your suffix, number the chain so the functional group gets the lowest possible number, then add any side chains as prefixes in alphabetical order.

Quick Tip: Always start curly arrows from areas with electron pairs (like double bonds or lone pairs) - they show exactly how electrons move during reactions.

# Organic chemistry

Introduction to organic chem
*   general formula - an algebraic formula, can be applied to chemicals in a family eng $C

Sign up to see the contentIt's free!

Access to all documents

Improve your grades

Join milions of students

By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Structural Isomers and Stereoisomers

Isomers are like molecular twins with identical formulas but completely different personalities - and they're everywhere in organic chemistry!

Structural isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements. Chain isomers rearrange the carbon skeleton pentanevs2methylbutanepentane vs 2-methylbutane, whilst positional isomers move functional groups to different positions pentan1olvspentan2olpentan-1-ol vs pentan-2-ol. Functional group isomers are the shape-shifters - same formula, completely different functional groups like pent-1-ene and cyclopentane.

Stereoisomers take things further - identical structural formulas but different spatial arrangements. E/Z isomerism occurs around C=C double bonds where rotation is restricted. Remember: E means opposite sides of the double bond, Z means same side.

When you've got four different groups around a double bond, use CIP rules: compare atomic numbers of atoms directly bonded to each carbon of the C=C bond. Higher atomic number equals higher priority, and this determines whether you've got E or Z isomerism.

Memory Hack: "Z" looks like it brings things to the "Zame side", whilst "E" stands for "Entgegen" (German for opposite).

We thought you’d never ask...

What is the Knowunity AI companion?

Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.

Where can I download the Knowunity app?

You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Is Knowunity really free of charge?

That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.

Most popular content: Organic Chemistry

Most popular content in Chemistry

Most popular content

Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.

Students love us — and so will you.

4.9/5

App Store

4.8/5

Google Play

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user

The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.

Stefan S

iOS user

This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.

Samantha Klich

Android user

Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.

Anna

iOS user

Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good

Thomas R

iOS user

Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.

Basil

Android user

This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.

David K

iOS user

The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!

Sudenaz Ocak

Android user

In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.

Greenlight Bonnie

Android user

very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.

Rohan U

Android user

I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.

Xander S

iOS user

THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮

Elisha

iOS user

This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now

Paul T

iOS user