Chapter 13 - Alkenes Flashcards
What kind of hydrocarbons are alkenes ?
Unsaturated
What is the general formula of alkenes ?
CnH2n
How is a double bond formed ?
- Three sigma bonds are formed to other atoms from the carbon atom
- One electron is left in a p-orbital
- A pi bond forms from the sideways overlap of two p orbitals, one from each carbon atom of the double bond
Where is the electron density focused ?
- The pi electron density is concentrated above and below the line joining the nuclei of the two bonding atoms
- The double bond has a high electron density
What prohibits rotation in alkenes?
The pi bond as it locks the two carbon atoms in position and prevents them from rotating
What is the shape around the carbon atoms in the double bond ?
- Trigonal planar
- 120 degree bond angle
What is stereoisomerism ?
The same structural formula but a different arrangement of the atoms in space
What are the two types of stereoisomerism ?
- E/Z isomerism
- Cis/trans isomerism
When is cis-trans isomerism applicable ?
- When molecules have a C=C bond
- Each carbon in the double bond is attached to two different groups.
What is the cis isomer ?
Hydrogen atoms on each carbon on the same side.
What is the trans isomer ?
Hydrogen atoms diagonally opposite each other.
What are the Cahn-Ingold-Prelog rules for deciding E/Z isomerism?
Higher atomic number is higher priority.
E isomer
Groups of higher priority on different sides of the double bond, then E isomer.
Z isomer
Groups of higher priority on the same side of the double bond, then Z isomer.
How can you remember whether it is a Z or E isomer ?
- For a Z isomer you can remember it as, Zee Zame Zide, the groups of higher priority are on the same side
- If they arent then it is an E isomer
Why are alkenes more reactive than alkanes ?
- They are more reactive due to the fact that they have a pi bond
- The electrons in the pi bond are more exposed, as they are on the outside
- The fact that the electrons are exposed leads to their higher reactivity
How are alkenes tested for ?
When bromine water (orange) is added to the sample of an alkene, the bromine reacts with the alkene and the colour disappears.
Describe the hydrogenation of alkenes
An alkene is mixed with hydrogen and passed over a nickel catalyst at 423K forming an alkane.
What does hydrogenation form ?
An alkane
Describe the halogenation of alkenes
Addition reaction between an alkene and either chlorine or bromine at room temperature to form a halogenoalkane.
What does the halogenation of alkenes form ?
Halogenoalkane
Describe the hydration of alkenes
An alkene is reacted with steam in the presence of a phosphoric acid catalyst
What does the hydration of alkenes form ?
An alcohol
How many products can be formed in the hydration of alkenes ?
Two possible products can be formed
How is the hydration of alkenes used in industry ?
This addition reaction is used widely in industry to produce ethanol from ethene