Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

A level chemistry > 4.1 basic concepts and hydrocarbons > Flashcards

4.1 basic concepts and hydrocarbons Flashcards

1
Q

define saturated

A

compounds with only single bonds

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

Define functional group

A

A group of atoms that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of a compound

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

What are the 8 functional groups

A

alkane
alkene
alcohol
aldehyde
carboxylic acid
haloalkane
ketone
alkyl

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Describe an alkane

A

form a homologous series and are saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

define homologous series

A

Families of organic chemicals that have the same functional group and differ by a CH2 unit

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

Define aliphatic

A

in which the carbon atoms are joined in straight or branched chains or non-aromatic rings

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

Define alicyclic

A

carbon joined together in a non - aromatic ring structure
can be used interchangeably with aliphatic

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Define aromatic

A

contains a benzene ring

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

describe an alcohol

A

CnH2n+1
-OH
hydroxy or -ol prefix

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Describe an aldehyde

A

-CHO

C=O
I
H

suffix -al

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Describe an alkene

A

CnH2n
contains a carbon double bond C=C
suffix -ene

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Describe a carboxylic acid

A

CnH2n-1COOH
C=O
I
OH

suffix oic acid

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Describe a haloalkane

A

they contain a halogen and have the prefix
fluoro
chloro
iodo
bromo

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Describe a ketone

A

O
II
C
suffix -one

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Define general formula

A

the simplest algebraic formula for a homologous series
e.g. CnH2n+2

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Define displayed formula

A

shows the relative positions of the atoms and the bonds between them
e.g. stick diagrams

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

Define structural formula

A

provides minimum detail for the arrangement of atoms in a molecule
E.g. CH3CH3= C2H6

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

Define empirical formula

A

smallest whole number ratio of atoms of the element in a compound
e.g. CH2O =C6H12O6

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Define molecular formula

A

shows numbers and types of atoms in a compound

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

Define skeletal formula

A

briefest way of representing molecules
/\/\ = pentane

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

define structural isomer

A

compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

describe chain isomerism

A

it is a structural isomer
It has a different arrangement of the carbon skeleton
These isomers have similar chemical properties but slightly different physical properties

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

Explain the correlation between carbon chain branching and boiling point

A

The greater the degree of branching the lower the boiling point because it decreases effectiveness of the intermolecular forces because they can’t be packed as closely so there are less points of contact and less energy is needed to break them apart

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

Describe position isomerism

A

It is a structural isomer
The molecule has the same functional group and carbon skeleton but the functional group is in a different position
Similar chemical properties but different physical properties

25
Describe functional group isomerism
It is a structural isomer Molecules have the same molecular formula but different functional groups therefore they also have different functional and chemical properties
26
Give an example of a functional group isomer
Propanal - C3H6O Propanone - C3H6O
27
How would you work out empirical formula
Find the moles of the atoms in the compound and divide them by the lowest number of moles to get a ratio
28
Define reaction mechanism
models that show movement of electron pairs during a reaction
29
Define heterolytic fission
this occurs when a covalent bond breaks and both electrons go to one of the bonding atoms and produces ions
30
Define homolytic fission
When a covalent bond breaks and each electron goes to a different bonded atom producing radicals
31
Define radicals
Species with one or more unpaired electrons
32
What are the steps in free radical substitution
Initiation - weakest bond is broken and radicals are generated propagation - radicals are used and regenerated (2 steps) Termination - radicals meet (3 steps)
33
Give the equation for initiation during the reaction between methane and chlorine (homolytic fission)
Cl2--->2Cl•
34
write the reaction mechanism for the propagation of the reaction between methane and chlorine
Cl• +CH4 ---> CH3• + HCl Cl2+ CH3• ---> CH3Cl + Cl•
35
Write the reaction mechanism for the termination step in the reaction between methane and chlorine
CH3• + CH3• ---> C2H6 Cl• + Cl• ---> Cl2 Cl• + CH3• --->CH3Cl
36
Describe what is meant by multiple substitutions and give examples
Many side products may form if free radicals react with other chloromethane molecules E.G. CH3Cl + Cl• ---> CH2Cl2 CH2Cl2 +Cl• ---> CHCl3 ETC.
37
Define what is meant by a sigma bond
It is formed between 2 carbons (in alkenes) using direct overlap of the electron clouds of 2 atoms
38
Describe how a pi bond is formed
Formed by the electrons in the adjacent P-orbitals overlapping above and below the carbon atoms and is made after a sigma bond
39
Define stereoisomer
Same molecular and structural formula but different arrangement of atoms in space
40
What causes stereoisomers
Lack of rotation in c=c double bonds
41
How does cis(z) isomerism differ from trans (e ) isomerism
Cis [z] when the highest priority groups are on the same side of the C=C bond Trans [e] When the highest priority groups are on differing sides of the C=C bond
42
Define electrophile
Electron pair acceptor
43
Define nucleophile
Electron pair donor
44
Define addition reaction
When 2 products react to form 1 product
45
How do alkenes and alkanes differ in terms of reactivity
Alkenes are more reactive as the double bond is an area of high electron density which attracts electrophiles
46
Define hydrogenation and the conditions
Addition reaction where hydrogen is added across the double bond 150C and a nickel catalyst
47
Define hydration and the conditions required
Addition reaction between gaseous alkene and steam to make alcohol 300C 65atm phosphoric acid catalyst
48
Why are there two possible products when a hydrogen halide is added to an unsymmetrical alkene
Markownikoffs rule states that the H will go to the carbon atom with more hydrogens and this will influence carbocation stability as those with more alkyl groups attached to them are more stable. The major product is the more stable one
49
Why do alkyl groups influence carbocation stability
This is because alkyl groups push electrons towards the carbon ion and neutralises the charge stabilising it
50
describe how polymer waste may be disposed
landfill combustion reusing recycling organic feedback
51
describe landfills
large holes dug into the landscape which are lined to stop any contaminants from leeching into the soil or water table rubbish is put in the holes and compacted and when it is full it is capped and landscaped
52
What happens after rubbish is buried
the conditions change from normal to anaerobic and there is often a limited supply of water reducing the rate of decomposition of biodegradable material many plastics are non-biodegradable and the waste does not break down and becomes a danger to wildlife
53
describe combustion as a way to manage polymer waste
plastics are mainly organic so they can be burnt As they contain large amounts of carbon their combustion releases large amounts of carbon dioxide or other polluting gasses such as HCl are made Plastics have a high calorific value and can be burnt in power stations and the chemical energy can be transferred to drive turbines and generate electricity
54
Describe how reusing can be used to manage polymer waste
plastics can be reused for their function many times such as a water bottle
55
Describe recycling as a way to manage polymer waste
plastics need to be sorted into different types which is expensive and labour intensive Plastics are cleaned and melted down into a new product theres concerns about contamintation from last use
56
Describe organic feedback as a way to manage polymer waste
after waste plastic has been sorted into many different types a series of chemical reactions can be used to break the plastic polymers into small organic molecules allowing recovered chemicals to be used in other reactions
57
Describe biodegradable polymers
Plant starch is mixed with an additional polymer such as polyethene and given the starch breaks down itmakes the polymer chains smaller and the material biodegrades however there is still concern about the small pieces of polymer
58
describe photodegradable polymers
they break down chemically using energy with wavelengths similar to light as the bonds between the monomer units are weakened by absorption of light However in landfills they may not be exposed to sufficient light

A level chemistry (14 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions