✅17 - Organic Chemistry II Flashcards
(92 cards)
What type of isomerism is optical isomerism?
Stereoisomerism
What are structural isomers?
Compounds with the same molecular formula but with different structural formula
What are functional group isomers?
They differ because they have different functional groups
What are chain isomers?
Differ because they have different patterns of branching in their carbon chains
What are positional isomers?
Differ because the same functional group is attached to different carbon atoms in the chain
What are stereoisomers?
Have the same structural formula but differ because their atoms or groups are arranged differently in three dimensions
What are geometric isomers?
type of stereoisomer with the same molecular formula and connectivity but different spatial arrangement.
What is chirality?
Two or more molecules that appear identical but cannot be superimposed onto one another.
What are chiral centres?
Carbons with four different atoms or groups attached
What is plane polarised light?
light that vibrates in one direction only
Do enantiomers have identical physical properties?
Yes, except in optical rotations where one rotates clockwise and the other does not
Do enantiomers have identical chemical properties?
yes, especially with non-chiral substances but may behave differently with other chiral molecules.
important for biological molecules such as enzymes.
e.g ibuprofen- 1 enantiomer is active, the other isnt active
What is a racemic mixture?
One containing equal amounts of two enantiomers.
What does SN2 indicate?
S = substitution N= nucleophillic 2=bimolecular and second order
Bimolecular means that the rate is determined by the 2 species, both the nucleophile and the substrate.
What does SN1 indicate?
S = Substitution N = Nicleophillic 1 = unimolecular and first order
How can optical activity be used as evidence for SN2?
In an SN2 reaction, the nucleophile attacks the carbon atom where the leaving group is attached, and simultaneously the leaving group departs. This leads to an inversion of configuration—the chiral center of the molecule flips, meaning if it was originally “left-handed” (L), it becomes “right-handed” (R), or vice versa.
this confirms sn2 has taken place.
How can optical activity be used as evidence for SN1 mechanisms?
If the reaction is via SN1, there will be no optical activity in the product.
What is a carbonyl group?
C=O
What compounds are classified as carbonyl compounds?
Aldehydes and Ketones
What defines an aldehyde?
A hydrogen joined to a carbonyl group
What defines a ketone?
If there are only hydrocarbon groups joined to the carbonyl
How do carbonyl groups affect bonding?
They form polar bonds, because oxygen is much more electronegative than carbon
What are the physical properties on aldehydes?
Boiling Point: Moderate, higher than alkanes, lower than alcohols.
Solubility: Small aldehydes are water-soluble; larger ones are not.
Odor: Often pungent, with some (e.g., vanillin) being pleasant.
Polarity: Polar due to the carbonyl group.
Reactivity: More reactive than ketones due to the carbonyl group.
What are the relative boiling points of aldehydes, ketones, alcohols and alkanes?
Alkanes < Aldehydes < Ketones < Alcohols