Block 1 - Foundations Flashcards
Heteroatoms
Any atom not C or H
Second and third bond strength relative to first bond
Second bond (and third) must be weaker than the first
Covalent bonds form when…
… atomic orbitals overlap to form molecular orbits
Atomic orbital overlaps can be…
- Good (end-on), i.e. sigma bonds (σ-bonds)
- Weak (side-on), i.e. pi bonds (π-bonds aka DBEs)
Pi bonds weaker than sigma bonds
Single, double, triple bonds (σ or π)
Single: 1 sigma bond –> inert
Double: 1 sigma bond, 1 pi bond –> reactive
Triple: 1 sigma bond, 2 pi bonds
Hybridisation
The mixing of atomic orbitals belonging to the same atom, but having slightly different energies so a redistribution of energy takes place between them –> results in the formation of new orbitals of equal energies and identical shape
Rotation around double and triple bonds - π bonds
Rotation about double and triple bonds would require breaking a π-bond –> incurs significant energy penalty
C bonded to 4 atoms (single bonds)
Geometry: Tetrahedral (109.5°)
Hybridisation: sp3
C bonded to 3 atoms (two single bonds, one double bond)
Geometry: Trigonal planar (120°)
Hybridisation: sp2
C bonded to 2 atoms (one single bond, one triple bond OR two double bonds)
Geometry: Linear (180°)
Hybridisation: sp
Periodic table: First 20 elements
H, He, Li, Be, B, C, N, O, F, Ne, Na, Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, Ar, K, Ca
Periodic trends: Electronegativity, ionisation energy, atomic radius
Electronegativity: Increases up and right
Ionisation energy: Increases up and right
Atomic radius: Decreases up and right
Isomers
Compounds with same molecular formula, but different arrangement in space
Constitutional isomers
Different sequence of bonds
Double bond equivalents (DBEs) = ½ (2n4 + n3 - n1 + 2)
where…
DBE = ½ (2n4 + n3 - n1 + 2)
where n4 = C, n3 = N, n1 = H or halogens
O doesn’t appear in DBE formula
Stereoisomers
Different arrangement of groups in space
Conformational isomers
Differ by rotation about a single bond
No bond breaking required
Configurational isomers
Interconversion requires breaking bonds
Enantiomers
Non-superimposable mirror images
Stereogenic centre (C)
Chiral
Diastereomers
Not mirror images
Non-superimposable
Types of isomers
Isomers –> Constitutional and Stereoisomers
Stereoisomers –> Conformational and Configurational
Configurational –> Enantiomers and Diastereomers
Define conformer
The conformation of a molecule; a particular shape it adopts as a result of rotation about bonds
Conformational isomers - types of projection
Sawhorse projection (views molecules from an oblique angle) Newman projection (views molecules end-on)
Interconversion of conformers
Staggered —rotate 60°—> Eclipsed
Staggered conformers vs Eclipsed conformers
Staggered: atoms fit ‘between’ other atoms, most stable
Eclipsed: atoms fit directly ‘behind’ other atoms, least stable
Types of staggered and eclipse conformers
Staggered; anti-conformer: most stable
Eclipsed
Staggered; gauche-conformer
Eclipsed; syn-conformer: least stable