4.1.1 Basic concepts of organic chemistry (aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbons, isomerism, reaction mechanism)

Question 1

What are the 3 things hydrocarbons can be classified as?

Answer 1

• aliphatic
• alicyclic
• aromatic

Question 2

What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon?

Answer 2

A compound containing carbon and hydrogen joined together in straight chains, branched chains or non-aromatic rings

Question 3

What is an alicyclic hydrocarbon?

Answer 3

A compound where carbon atoms are joined to each other in ring (cyclic) structures, with or without branches

Question 4

What is an aromatic hydrocarbon?

Answer 4

A compound containing at least one benzene ring

Question 5

What is the general formula for alkanes?

Answer 5

CnH2n+2

Question 6

What is the general formula for alkenes?

Answer 6

CnH2n

Question 7

What is the general formula of alcohols?

Answer 7

CnH2n+1OH

Question 8

Define structural isomerism?

Answer 8

When molecules have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas

Question 9

When will a compound have structural isomers?

Answer 9

When an alkane has 4 or more carbons

Question 10

For naming compounds, if the branch has 1 carbon (CH3) what is it called?

Answer 10

methyl

Question 11

For naming compounds, if the branch has 2 carbons (C2H5) what is it called?

Answer 11

ethyl

Question 12

For naming compounds, if the branch has 3 carbons (C3H7) what is it called?

Answer 12

propyl

Question 13

For naming compounds, if there are 2 groups of the same type in a compound, what is the prefix used?

Answer 13

di-

Question 14

For naming compounds, if there are 3 groups of the same type in a compound, what is the prefix used?

Answer 14

tri-

Question 15

What do alkanes react with halogens to form?

Answer 15

haloalkanes and hydrogen halides

Question 16

Why is free radical substitution not the best way to make a haloalkane?

Answer 16

Because multiple products can be formed an further propagation steps can occur

Question 17

What is a radical?

Answer 17

A species with an unpaired electron

Question 18

What are the conditions for free radical substitution?

Answer 18

UV light

Question 19

What is homolytic fission?

Answer 19

when each bonding atom receives one electron from the bonded pair forming two radicals

Question 20

What is heterolytic fission?

Answer 20

When one bonding atom receives both electrons from the bonded pair

Question 21

How is a covalent bond formed from two radicals?

Answer 21

The radicals collide and the electrons are involved in the bond formation