2.1 Systematic carbon chemistry

Question 1

Saturated compounds

Answer 1

compounds containing only single carbon-carbon bonds are described as saturated

Question 2

Unsaturated compounds

Answer 2

compounds containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond are described as unsaturated. Unsaturated compounds can take part in addition reactions.
In an addition reaction, two molecules combine to form a single molecule.

Question 3

How to distinguish an unsaturated compound from a saturated compound?

Answer 3

Using bromine solution as unsaturated compounds quickly decolourise bromine solution

Question 4

Isomers

Answer 4

• are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae
• may belong to different homologous series
• usually have different physical properties

Question 5

How to predict the solubility, boiling point and volatility of a compound?

Answer 5

by considering:
- presence of O-H or N-H bonds, which implies hydrogen bonding
- the spatial arrangement of polar covalent bonds which could result in a molecule possessing a permanent dipole
- molecular size which would affect LDFs
- the polarities of solute and solvent. polar or ionic compounds tend to be soluble in polar solvents, non-polar compounds tend to be soluble in non-polar solvents

Question 6

How can solubility, boiling point and volatility be explained?

Answer 6

in terms of the type and strength of intermolecular force present