Organic chem cont + thermodynamics Flashcards
(110 cards)
What is the main function of hybridisation?
It is a labelling technique. Mathematical concept
What is hybridisation?
It is a label given to the geometry around a given atom in a molecule –> refers to positions around a central atom. I.e. depends on whether it is tetrahedral, trigonal, straight shape etc.
What is sp3 hybridisation?
Occurs when a 2s orbital mixes with 3 2p orbitals, forcing 4x identical orbitals to form which forms 4 single covalent bonds
How can you tell if there is sp3 hybridisation?
Look at the electron groups around an atom (bonds and lone pairs). If it gives a tetrahedral shape, it is a sp3 hybridisation
What is sp2 hybridisation?
Normally forms with alkenes. Occurs if 2s orbital mixes with only 2 2p orbitals, as a result 1 p - orbital remains unhybridised and can be used to form the ‘double bond’
How can you tell if there is sp2 hybridisation?
Look at the electron groups aroudn an atom and see if it forms a trigonal pyramidal shape around the atom (3 bonds)
What is sp1 hybridisation?
Occurs if a 2s orbital mixes with only one 2p orbital. As a result, 2 p-orbitals remain unhybridised and can be used to form the ‘triple bond’
How can you tell if there is sp1 hybridisation?
The way to identify this hybrid is to look for a linear shape around an atom (2 bonds).
Is hybridisation limited to carbon only?
No it isn’t. There are also other atoms which can hybridise as well such as heteroatoms
What are the properties of alkanes in terms of intermolecular forces and the boiling point, melting point etc. ?
Molecules are held together by Van der Waals (dispersion) forces. These forces increase as the size of the molecule increases.
Because MP and BP are determined by the strength of the intermolecular forces, as the dispersion forces increase as the carbon chain gets longer, MP and BP actually increases as well.
However, branching (e.g. methyl side chains) lowers the melting/boiling point because it forces chains away from each other a bit more
Describe the combustion of alkanes
Short chain alkanes burn efficiently –> CO2 + H2O
Bigger alkanes don’t burn as well –> sooty flame
Large amounts of energy liberated in combustion. Commonly used in fuel, e.g. natural gas, petrol, etc –> environmentla consequences
What are isomers?
They have the same molecular forma but different structures?
What are the 2 categories of isomers?
Constitutional isomers and stereoisomers
What are constitutional isomers?
Different nature/sequence of bonds - in other words its structural isomers
What are stereoisomers?
Different arrangement of groups in space –> different patterns
What are the 2 categories of stereoisomers?
Conformational and configurational isomers
What are conformational isomers?
Isomers which differ by rotation about a single bond
This process doesn’t require too much energy so they are normally separable
What are configurational isomers?
Interconversion requiring breaking of bonds
This process normally requires a lot of energy so doesn’t happen at room temp
What are the 2 categories of configurational isomers?
Diastereoisomers / diastereomer or enantiomers
What are enantiomers?
Mirrored and Non superimposable isomers
What are diastereomers?
Not mirror images and not superimposable
What are the different properties of isomers? WHat are they determiend by?
Physical and chemical properties of constitutional isomers can be very different, particularly when different functional groups are present
Each functional group present will have different properties and reactivity which come with it
WHat is a double bond constructed from?
Sigma and pi bond
What is a pi bond formed by?
p - orbital overlap and are directional (electron density concentrated above and below the plane)