Ch4.1 Basic Organic Concepts and Hydrocarbons Flashcards
What is a molecular formula?
Where the exact number of each atom in a molecule is shown
What is an empirical formula?
The simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a molecule
What is a structural formula?
Using conventional groups for minimal detail about unambiguous structure
What is a displayed formula?
Where the molecule is drawn with lines for bonds
What is a skeletal formula?
Shows a simplified organic formula by removing hydrogen atoms from alkyl chains to leave just carbon skeleton
What is a general formula?
Represents any member of a homologous series eg. alkanes or alkenes
What is the general formula for alcohols?
CnH2n+1OH
What is the general formula for an alkyl group?
CnH2n+1
What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon?
A compound containing carbon and hydrogen joined in straight chains, branched chains or non-aromatic rings
What is an alicyclic hydrocarbon?
An aliphatic compound arranged in non-aromatic rings with or without side chains
What is an aromatic hydrocarbon?
A compound containing a benzene ring
What does it mean if a hydrocarbon is saturated?
Contains single carbon-carbon bonds only
What does it mean if a hydrocarbon is unsaturated?
There is multiple double or triple carbon-carbon bonds or aromatic rings
What is a structural isomer?
Different name and structure, same molecular formula
What is a steroisomer?
Same chemical formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space
Define structural isomers
Isomers that have the same molecular formula but different structural formulae
What are the 2 types of covalent bond?
Sigma and Pi
Describe sigma bonds
The overlap of orbitals where the electrons in the overlap are located between the nuclei of the overlapping atoms
Describe Pi bonds
The overlap of orbitals where the electrons in the overlap are located above and below the nuclei of the overlapping atoms
Which is stronger out of a pi bond and a sigma bond?
Sigma bonds are stronger, in a reaction the Pi bonds will break first
How do Pi and Sigma bonds relate to single, double and triple covalent bonds?
single = 1 sigma
double = 1 sigma and 1 pi
triple = 1 sigma and 2 pi
How do boiling points differ between isomers?
- higher in straight chains than branched
- more branches = lower BP
- branches decrease effectiveness of intermolecular forces
- BP differs with different functional groups
Define stereoisomerism
Isomers that have the same structural formula but different arrangement of atoms in space
State 2 features of stereoisomers
- come in pairs
- the 2 isomers in the pair have the same name
Where is E/Z isomerism found?
In alkenes due to the restricted rotation caused by the C=C bonds
What is the condition needed for E/Z isomerism to occur?
Must be different atoms or groups attached to each side of the carbon atoms
What do the E and Z stand for in E/Z isomerism?
Entegen and Zusammen
Opposite and Together in German
What are the conditions for an E isomer?
- the highest priority atoms are across the double bond
- there isn’t an H alone on both C atoms in double bond
What are the conditions for a Z isomer?
- the highest priority atoms are on the same side of the double bond
- there isn’t an H alone on both C atoms in double bond
What are the conditions for a cis isomer?
- the highest priority atoms are on the same side of the double bond
- there is an H alone on both C atoms in double bond
What are the conditions for a trans isomer?
- the highest priority atoms are across the double bond
- there is an H alone on both C atoms in double bond
How is priority determined when deciding what kind of isomer a molecule is?
The higher the atomic number of the group attached to the Cs in the double bond, the higher the priority
What are the products of complete combustion?
Carbon dioxide and water
What are the products of incomplete combustion?
Carbon, carbon monoxide and water
What is heterolytic fission?
Unequal splitting of a covalent bond whereby ions are produced (pair of electrons tend to more electronegative element)
What is homolytic fission?
Equal splitting of a covalent bond whereby radicals are produced
What are radicals?
- species with one or more unpaired electrons
- formed by homolytic fission of covalent bonds
- formed during reaction between chlorine and methane
- formed during thermal cracking
What is the mechanism that is used in the chlorination of methane called?
Free radical substitution
What are the 3 steps called that are involved in free radical substitution for chlorination of methane and what happens to radicals during these steps?
- initiation: radicals created
- propagation: radicals used and regenerated
- termination: radicals removed
What is covalent bond fission?
When in the first stage of a chemical reaction, activation energy affects the covalent bonds by causing them to break
What is homolytic fission?
Occurs when a covalent bond breaks and each electron goes to a different bonded atom. Generates 2 radicals
What features do radicals have?
- very reactive
- neutral species
- have one or more unpaired e-