14.4 Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is the formula of epoxyethane? (1)
CH2OCH2
How is epoxyethane produced? (2)
(1) it’s made by partially oxidising ethene
(2) while this mixture is passed over a silver catalyst
What is the equation for the production of epoxyethane? (1)
C2H4 + 1/2 O2 —-> CH2OCH2
If you add too much oxygen to ethene, what will be produced? (2)
(1) water
(2) CO2
Epoxyethane is highly reactive. Why? (3)
(1) (if you look at the displayed formula) all the bond angles in the ring is 60 degrees
(2) the normal angle for C–C–O & C–O–C bonds is 109.5
(3) so, the ring tends to spring open due to ring strain
Since epoxyethane is highly reactive, it’s also hazardous, so it’s stored differently. How is epoxyethane stored? (1)
(1) it is converted to other useful products on the site it’s made in
Epoxyethane reacts with 3 types of molecules, what are they? (3)
(1) water
(2) alcohols
(3) ammonia
When epoxyethane reacts with water, what does it produce? (1)
What is that product used for? (1)
(1) ethane-1,2-diol
(1) antifreeze in vehicles
What are the 2 stages of the mechanism of this reaction? (2)
(1) the protonation of the oxygen
(2) the nucleophilic attack of an OH ion
TASK: draw the mechanism of the reaction between water & epoxyethane. (4)
self-assess from the textbook p. 235
What is the purpose of the reaction of water with epoxyethane? (4)
(1) produces polyesters, which are used for soft drinks bottles
(2) makes polyurethane plastics
(3) makes plasticisers (see 14.3 for explanation)
(4) used in detergents, cosmetics, & paints
When epoxyethane reacts with alcohols, what is produced? (1)
TASK: draw the mechanism for the reaction between epoxyethane & ethanol in acidic conditions. (4)
(1) an ether molecule
self-assess from the textbook p. 234
When epoxyethane reacts with ammonia, what is produced? (1)
What is the product used for? (3)
NOTE: you don’t need to know the mechanism for this reaction
(1) ethanolamines
(1) cosmetics
(2) soaps
(3) detergents
