Alkanes Flashcards
What is the definition of homologous series
Compounds which have the same general formula, similar chemical properties, show a graduation in their physical properties and successive members differ by a CH2 unit
What is the definition of a functional group
A reactive group within a compound
What is the definition of a hydrocarbon
Contains hydrogen and carbon only
What is the definition of a structural isomer
Molecule which has the same molecular formula but a different structural formula
What is the definition of an electrophile
An ion or molecule that attacks a regions or high electron density
What is the definition of a nucleophile
An ion or molecule with a lone pair of electrons that attacks a region of low electron density
What is the definition of homolytic fission
Bond breaking in which one of the shared electrons goes to each atom
What is the definition of heterolytic fission
Bond breaking in which both elections in the shared pair go to a single atom
What is the definition of saturated hydrocarbon
Contains no C=C or C(triple bond)C and is made of carbon and hydrogen only
What is the definition of a radical
Particle with an unpaired electron
What is the definition of substitution
Replacing one atom or group with another atom of group
What is the definition of free radical substitution
A reaction in which one atom in a molecule is replaced by another atom or group of atoms with a single unpaired electron
What is the general formula for alkanes
CnH2n+2
What is structural formula
How atoms in a molecule are bonded together
What is molecular formula
No. of each type of atom present in molecule
When does chain isomerism occur
Same molecular formula
Different carbon chains
When does positional isomerism coccur
Same hydrocarbon skeleton
Differ in position of functional group
When does functional group isomerism occur
Same molecular formula
Different functional groups
Describe the physical properties of alkanes
Non polar Weak vdw Low bp Water insoluble Soluble in non polar Bp increases as c chain increases
What are the chemical properties of alkanes
Lack of reactivity towards electrophiles and nucleophiles - absesne of electron rich/deficient site
Saturated
Radical reactions with O2 and halogens
