Terms Flashcards
(121 cards)
Conformation Isomers (Conformers)
Arise from free rotation about a σ-bond. Vary in stability due to differences in steric interactions. Staggered conformers are more stable than eclipsed conformers, while anti arrangements are more stable than gauche.
Cycloalkanes
Have a cyclic structure and vary in stability and strain energies based on sized and bond angles. Rings prevent free rotation about single bonds. Therefore substituent isomers that do not interconvert exist
What is the most stable conformation of cycloalkanes?
Chair conformation, which results in axial and equatorial positions (ring-flips can exchange these). Equatorial substituents result in more stable conformations due to reduces steric interactions.
Enantiomers
Molecules that are non superimposable mirror images - chiral.
Racemic Mixture
1:1 mixture of enantiomers
How can enantiomers be separated?
By converting them into diastereomers (different 3D shapes), separating them, then retransforming them into enantiomers
Stereochemistry of Alkenes
Stereoisomers due to lack of rotation about the C=C bond.
- diastereomers - non mirror image stereoisomers, named using E/Z nomenclature
Addition Reactions
Overall replacement of a weak π-bonds with a strong σ-bond
- hydrogenation, halogenation, hydrohalogenation, hydration
- σ-bond is a nucleophile, supplies e-, produces a carbocation intermediate
- rate increases with acidity
Stability of Carbocations
3° > 2° > 1°
stability increases with variety of substituents
Markovnikov’s Rule
Predicts the regiochemistry of HX addition to unsymmetrically substituted alkenes
H will preferentially end up on the side that has more Hs, while X will end up on the side with more substituents.
Alkene addition reactions with no nucleophile
Can result in polymers
Aromaticity requirements
Cyclic
conjugated
planar
4n + 2 π-electrons (n=integer)
Nomenclature for disubstituted benznes
Ortho (1,2-)
Meta (1,3-)
Para (1,4-)
Nucleophilic Substitution Reaction
- replacement of a leaving group by a nucleophile
- nucleophile attacks carbon of an organic molecule and displaces a leaving group, which carries away its bonding e-
- Two mechanisms
First Order Nucleophilic Substitution (SN1)
Two distinct steps: - ionisation - nucleophilic attack Reaction proceeds via an intermediate and rate depends only on substrate concentration. Results in a racemic mixture. Ease parallels carbocation stability.
Second Order Nucleophilic Substitution (SN2)
Making/Breaking of bonds is concerted. There is no intermediate and rate depends on both substrate and nucleophile concentrations. Able to interconvert enantiomers.
Ease is the reverse of carbocation stability
Elimination Reactions
The loss of an atom or group of atoms resulting in the formation of a multiple bond (opposite of addition reactions). Require reagents that are strong bases and relatively weak leaving groups. Two distinct mechanisms.
First Order Elimination (E1)
Two distinct steps:
- ionisation
- deprotonation
Proceeds via an intermediate with a rate dependent only on substrate concentration
Second Order Elimination (E2)
One step with simultaneous making/breaking of bonds. Rate dependent on concentration of substrate and base.
Regiochemistry of Elimination
Often more than one product possible (placement of double bond and rotation around it). The transition state for E2 reactions dictates the stereochemical outcome. Newman projections are needed.
Zaitsev’s Rule
In the elimination of H-X from an alkyl halide, the more highly substituted alkene product predominates. (less sterically crowded)
Carbonyl Functional Group
Carbonyl bond strongly polarised - electrophilic at the carbon and can undergo nucleophilic addition reactions.
Most carbonyl reactions involve the breaking of π-bonds
Formation of Aldehydes and Ketones
Can be formed via oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols.
1° alcohols oxidise to aldehydes and then to carboxylic acids
2° alcohols oxidise to ketones
3° alcohols are not oxidised
Jones Reagent
Oxidising agent (Cr)3/H2SO4)