Core organic chemisty Flashcards
(48 cards)
What is meant by the term homologous series?
Series of compounds with the same functional group and each successive member differing by CH2
What is meant by the term functional group?
Group of atoms that give a compound its characteristic set of reactions
What is meant by the term electrophile?
Electron pair acceptor
What is meant by the term nucleophile?
Electron pair donor
What does a curly arrow represent in a reaction mechanism?
Movement of a pair of electrons
If a molecule is a radical, what does this tell you about it?
Has an unpaired electron
What is meant by the term homolytic fission?
- Homolytic = bonded pair is split equally/each retains 1 electron
- Fission = bond breaking
What is meant by the term heterolytic fission?
Both electrons in the bond go to the same atom
What are structural isomers?
Compounds or molecules having the same molecular formula but different structural formula
What are stereoisomers?
Compounds or molecules having the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space
Radical substitution produces a mixture of organic products. Suggest the reasons why
- Further substitution
- More than one hydrogen atom can be replaced
- Substitution at different positions along chain
- Forms different structural isomers
What is needed to convert an alkene into an alkane?
H2, nickel catalyst
What is needed to convert an alkene into an alcohol?
Steam, acid catalyst
How can you test for an alkene and what are the observations?
1) Add bromine water
2) Orange to colourless (bromine is decolourised)
Describe how σ bond forms
Overlap of orbitals directly between the bonding atoms
What are the differences between the σ bond and the π bond?
- σ bond is between bonding atoms and π bond is above and below the bonding atoms
- σ has electron density between bonding atoms and π bond has electron density above and below bonding atoms
- σ bond has direct overlap of orbitals and π bond has sideways overlap
- π bond has a lower bond enthalpy/is weaker than a σ bond
State and explain the features that lead to E/Z isomerism
- Carbon-carbon double bond has restricted rotation
- Each carbon atom of the double bond attached to two different groups/atoms
Why might a compound not have E/Z isomers?
One carbon atom in double bond is attached to two groups which are the same
What is meant by the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog priority rules?
- Z isomer = priority groups are on the same side
- E isomer = priority groups are on different sides
What are the ways in which waste polymers can be processed in a sustainable way?
- Combustion for energy production
- Use as an organic feedstock
State one particular problem with disposal of poly(2-chloropropene) by combustion
Formation of HCl
Describe how HCl is removed from waste gases
HCl gas passed through alkali
What is disadvantageous about combustion?
Formation of CO2/CO/HCl
State one advantage of using polymers made from natural foods
They are biodegradable
