FINALS: Reaction Mechanism

Question 1

Describes WHAT happens in a chemical reaction

Answer 1

Reaction Equation

Question 2

A detailed step-by-step description of HOW a chemical reaction occurs

Answer 2

Reaction Mechanism

Question 3

This is involves the movements of electrons

Answer 3

Reaction Mechanism

Question 4

This provides rationalization for chemical reactions

Answer 4

Reaction Mechanism

Question 5

Sequence of bond-making and bond-breaking ups

Answer 5

Reaction Mechanism

Question 6

This allows one to predict the likely outcome of a reaction

Answer 6

Reaction Mechanism

Question 7

Asymmetrical cleavage of bond

Answer 7

Heterolytic cleavage

Question 8

Symmetrical cleavage of a bond

Answer 8

Homolytic Cleavage

Question 9

High-energy species carrying an unpaired electron
(usually unstable)

Answer 9

Radical

Question 10

High-energy species carrying an unpaired electron (usually unstable)

Answer 10

Radical

Question 11

Ionic reactions

Answer 11

Heterolytic Cleavage

Question 12

Radical reactions

Answer 12

Homolytic Cleavage and Radical

Question 13

Electron-rich; nucleus-seeking reagents

Answer 13

Nucleophiles (Nu- or Nu:)

Question 14

These typically have a negative charge (anions), lone pair, or multiple bonds

Answer 14

Nucleophiles (Nu- or Nu:)

Question 15

Electron-deficient, electron-seeking reagents

Answer 15

Electrophiles (E+)

Question 16

These typically have a positive charge (cations), or are polarizable molecules can develop an electron-deficient center

Answer 16

Electrophiles (E+)

Question 17

Movement of electron usually comes from __________ to __________

Answer 17

Nucleophiles; Electrophiles

Question 18

These are ions or neutral molecules that are displaced from a reactant as part of a mechanistic sequence

Answer 18

Leaving Group (L- or L:)

Question 19

This occurs in substitution reaction

Answer 19

Leaving Group (L- or L:)

Question 20

The slowest transformation in the sequence

Answer 20

Rate-determining step

Question 21

FORMULA: Rate of Reaction

Answer 21

Rate = k [A] [B]

k = Rate Constant

Question 22

This is the number of reactant molecules involved in the rate-determining step; equivalent to the kinetic reaction order

Answer 22

Molecularity

Question 23

This cannot be isolated, or even detected; energy maximum
(Highly unstable)

Answer 23

Transition State

Question 24

This can be isolated; energy minimum
(Stable)

Answer 24

Intermediate

Question 25

Types of Organic Reactions

Answer 25

• Substitution
• Elimination
• Addition
• Rearrangement
• Radical Reaction