topic 17 Flashcards
(111 cards)
what is optical isomerism a result of
optical isomerism is a result of chirality in molecules with a single chiral centre
what does it mean if a molecule is chiral
if two objects/ molecules are mirror images of each other and they are not superimposable then they are said to be chiral
what does non-super imposable mean
non super imposable means that two images/molecules with the same structure (but one is mirrored) dont match when you put them on top of each other
how does chirality occur
- chirality is a property exclusive to asymmetrical molecules with different groups attached to a central carbon atom
- has no line of symmetry
how can you identify a chiral centre
carbon centre with 4 different groups attached
how can you indicate whether a molecule has a chiral centre
using an *
what does it mean if a molecule has a chiral centre
two possible isomers that are mirror images of each other → optical isomers
he mirror images will be non super imposable to each other
what is the effect of different arrangements of molecules
- the orientation can lead to dramatically different effects on biological organisms which is why we want to separate them
- example of thalidomide
what are enantiomers
each of a pair of molecules that are mirror images of each other
the different isomers are called enantiomers
enantiomers are non-superimposable
what is plane polarised light
light in one plane → travel in one direction
what is a racemic mixture
enantiomers are made in a 50/50 mix which is known as a racemic mixture
what is the effect of individual enantiomers on plane polarised light
individual enantiomers can cause plane polarised light to rotate either to the right or to the left
If single enantiomer is produced
what is the effect of a racemic mixture on plane polarised light and why
plane polarised light has no effect on a racemic mixture because there is an equal mix of left and right enantiomers
what is the SN1 mechanism
- takes place in two steps
- R- represents alkyl groups
- central carbon has 4 different groups so has a chiral centre
- needs to have a chiral centre or it wont work
recall/draw the steps of the SN1 mechanism with the example of 2-bromo,2-methylpropane
what happens if the intermediate is planar in the SN1 mechanism
if the intermediate (carbocation has lost a bond) is planar, the nucleophile can either attack from above or below
- if the attack happens from above it will be a different shape compared to if the attack happens from below
- different arrangement depending on where the nucleophile has attacked from
what happens if bonds are added/lost from the molecule
when bonds are added/lost the shape changes (show this when drawing mechanisms)
what is the product of the SN1 mechanism
racemic mixure
forms enantiomers which means they can rotate plane polarised light which is known as optical activity
what is the evidence for the SN1 mechanism
the product of the SN1 mechanism wont have an effect on plane polarised light
what is a transition state
one group joins as another group comes off
draw the SN2 mechanism with the example of 2-bromo,2-methylpropane
occurs in one step
what is the product of the SN2 mechanism
one product
doesnt have a racemic mixture
product will rotate plane polarised light
which mechanism does a tertiary carbocation undergo
tertiary carbocation should undergo SN1 mechanism
tertiary carbocation is most stable so can only exist as a carbocation for a short period of time
which mechanism des primary carbocations undergo
so for SN2 can only occur with a primary or secondary carbocation as they are less stable