3.4 Alkenes Flashcards
What is an alkene?
Unsaturated hydrocarbons with a C=C double bond
What is the general formula of an alkene?
CnH2n
Why is there no rotation about the C=C double bond?
Due to the pi orbital - electron density above and below the single bond, which holds the carbon atoms in place
Are they more or less reactive than alkanes? Why?
More reactive, due to high electron density of double bond and the fact that the pi-bond is slightly easier to break
What intermolecular forces of attraction do they have
Only van de Waals due to non-polar bonds
Are they soluble in water?
No, non-polar bonds (van de Waals < hydrogen bonds)
Name and describe the three different types of isomers alkenes can have
Chain isomers - Branched chains
Position isomers - C=C on different double bonds
Geometric E-Z isomers - Z is when 2 highest number atomic chains are on the same side of the double bond; E is when they’re on opposite sides
Write an equation for the complete combustion of pent-2-ene
CH3CH=CHCH2CH3 + 7.5 O2 —> 5CO2 + 5H2O
What is an electrophile
Electron deficient atoms / ions which accept a pair of electrons (here from the C=C double bond)
What is the most stable carbocation intermediate? Why?
Alkyl groups have a positive inductive effect, so the most stable carbocation is the one bonded to most other carbon atoms i.e. A tertiary carbon
Major products will be formed from which kind of carbocations?
Tertiary
What conditions are needed for the electrophilic addition of H2O to an alkene?
Acid catalyst, usually phosphoric acid
What are the products for the electrophilic addition of H2O to an alkene?
An alcohol
What conditions are need for the electrophilic addition of a hydrogen halide to an alkene?
Room temperature
What conditions are needed for the electrophilic addiction of a halogen molecule to an alkene
Room temperature and organic solvent