Exam 1 Material (Ch. 1-3)

Question 1

what is inductive electron withdrawal and what does it do?

Answer 1

having a more electronegative element elsewhere in a molecule that will pull electrons towards itself. it stabilizes the base and makes the acid more acidic. Creates resonance in the base.

Question 2

does the distance of a halogen from a negative charge on the same molecule affect acid strength?

Answer 2

yes- having the halogen closer to the affected OH group causes it to pull the electrons closer, which stabilizes the base.

Question 3

what are delocalized electrons and what do they contribute to acid strength?

Answer 3

delocalized electrons is when an electronegative part of a molecule pulls extra electrons on a base towards itself, which stabilizes the base. This results in resonance and partial charges on the base in question.

Question 4

what is a constitutional isomer?

Answer 4

a molecule with the same molecular formula but different structure