Chapter 13 - Alkenes Flashcards
What is the general formula of alkenes?
CnH2n
Are alkenes unsaturated or saturated hydrocarbons?
Unsaturated
Contain at least one double carbon to carbon bond
Describe bonding in an alkene
In one C=C bond:
- 1 sigma bond formed direct overlap of orbitals. Head on overlap - giving highest possible electron density
- 1 Pi bond formed by sideways overlap of two p-orbitals.
Form two parts - one below and one above molecule’s axis.
Pi bonds cannot rotate
What kind of bond is a C-H bond?
Sigma
What kind of bond is a C-C bond?
Pi
Which one has lower enthalpy? Sigma or Pi bond?
Pi bonds have a lower enthalpy as electron density is spread out above and below the nuclei. Meaning electrostatic attraction between the nuclei and shared pair of electrons is weaker.
What is the shape around each carbon atom in a double bond (C=C)?
-3 regions of electron density around each of the carbon atoms.
repel each other as far apart as possible, so the bond bond angle = 120 degrees
giving trigonal planar shape
What are stereoisomers?
Stereoisomers have the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space.
What is an E isomer?
When the 2 highest priority groups are on OPPOSITE sides of a C=C bond
What is a Z isomer?
When the 2 highest priority groups are on the SAME side of the C=C bond
What are the requirements for a molecule to have E/Z isomerism?
- A C=C bond - as this cannot rotate
- 2 different groups attached to each carbon atom of the double bond
What is cis/trans isomerism?
Special case of E/Z isomerism where one of the attached groups on each carbon atom of the double bond must be the same.
Which one of cis and trans isomers are E and Z isomers?
Cis - Z isomer
trans - E isomer
What are the CIP rules used to find?
Priority rules used to find E and Z stereoisomers
How are the CIP rules used to assign priority?
- ) look at the atoms directly attached to carbon atoms in the double bond and decide which 2 atoms have the highest priority - the higher atomic number = higher priority.
- ) If 2 atoms assessed are the same then find the first point of difference - and the higher the atomic number = higher priority.
What is the name - CIP rules short for?
Cahn - Ingold - Prelog rules