Section 3 - Organic Chemistry

Question 1

Hybrid Orbitals

Answer 1

• In organic molecules, the orbitals of the atoms are combined to form hybrid orbitals
  *

Question 2

The Dipole Moment

Answer 2

This is a measure of the charge separation and thus, the electronegativities of the elements that make up the bond; the larger the dipole moment, the larger the charge separation.

Question 3

What are isomers?

Answer 3

Two different molecules with the same number and types of atoms (= the same molecular formula)

Question 4

What are the categories of stereoisomers?

Answer 4

• Geometric isomers - occur because carbons that are in a ring or double bond structure are unable to freely rotate. This results in cis and trans compounds. Cis = same side. Trans = opposite sides
• E/Z - used for isomeric compounds with 4 different substituent groups bonded to the two ethenyl or vinyl carbons. Z = zee same. Based on the group with higher priority.
• Enantiomers - two non-superimposable molecules, which are mirror images of each other. In order to have an enantiomer, the molecule must be chiral.
• Diastereomers - Any pair of stereoisomers that are not enantiomers. Diastereomers are both chemically and physically different from each other.

Question 5

Ligand

Answer 5

An ion or molecule (functional group) that binds to a central metal atom, to form a coordination complex

Question 6

Chiral Molecules

Answer 6

Molecules contain at least one chiral carbon which is a carbon atom that has four different substituents attached.

Question 7

Racemic Mixture

Answer 7

One that has equal amounts of left- and right-handed enantiomers of a chiral molecule