6: Organic molecules

Question 1

Substitution reaction

Answer 1

An atom or group X in a molecule is replaced by another Y. These typically occur for saturated compounds.

Question 2

Addition reaction

Answer 2

Two molecules add together to give a new molecule. These typically occur at unsaturated groups.

Question 3

Oxidation reaction

Answer 3

typically occurs when a molecule gains oxygen or loses hydrogen.

Question 4

Reduction reaction

Answer 4

The opposite of oxidation; typically occurs when a molecule gains hydrogen or loses oxygen.

Question 5

Is the cyanide ion a nucleophile or an electrophile

Answer 5

nucleophile

Question 6

what does ortho mean?

Answer 6

position 2 relative to the first group

Question 7

what does meta mean?

Answer 7

position 3 relative to the first group

Question 8

what does para mean?

Answer 8

position 4 relative to the first group

Question 9

ortho-/para-directing groups include…

Answer 9

OH is strongly activating
methyl and R (other alkyl groups) are activating

Question 10

meta-directing groups include…

Answer 10

NO2 is strongly deactivating
O=C-CH3 is deactivating

Question 11

whats the difference in reactivity following Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation reactions?

Answer 11

the product after acylation is less reactive and so usually only mono-substituted products form.
the product after alkylation is more reactive and so usually multiple substitutions occur - which can cause problems