Chapter 11.5 - Reaction mechanisms Flashcards
Define the term covalent bond
The strong electrostatic attraction between a shared pair of electrons and the nuclei of the bonded atoms
What are the two ways covalent bonds can be broken?
- Homolytic fission
- Heterolytic fission
Define the term homolytic fission
The breaking of a covalent bond with one of the bonded electrons going to each atom, forming two radicals
Define the term heterolytic fission
The breaking of a covalent bond forming a cation and anion, both bonded electrons go to one atom
Define the term radical
A species with an unpaired electron
What do curly arrows represent?
The movement of an electron pair when bonds are being broken or made
What do fishhook arrows represent?
The movement of a singular electron when bonds are being broken or made
What are the three reaction mechanisms?
- Addition
- Substitution
- Elimination
What happens in an addition reaction?
Two reactants combine to form one product
- Atom economy is 100%
What happens in a subsitiution reaction?
An atom or group of atoms in a compound are replaced by another atom or group of atoms
What happens in an elimination reaction?
A small molecule is removed from a larger molecule
What is a reaction mechanism?
The sequence of bond breaking and bond-forming steps that shows the path taken by electrons during a reaction
