Findamentals Of Reactivity Flashcards
What is a nucleophile?
A nucleophile is a species that donates a pair of electrons to form a covalent bond, often rich in electron density (e.g., lone pairs or π bonds).
Give examples of nucleophiles.
Examples include OH⁻, NH₃, Cl⁻, H₂O, and alkenes.
What is an electrophile?
An electrophile is a species that accepts a pair of electrons to form a covalent bond, often electron-deficient or positively charged.
Give examples of electrophiles.
Examples include H⁺, BF₃, carbonyl groups (C=O), and alkyl halides (R-X).
What is a leaving group?
A leaving group is an atom or group that can detach from the parent molecule, taking with it a pair of electrons.
What are good leaving groups?
Good leaving groups are stable after leaving, such as Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻, and H₂O.
What are poor leaving groups?
Poor leaving groups are unstable, such as OH⁻ and H⁻ (unless stabilized by special conditions).
What is an acidic group?
An acidic group is a functional group that donates a proton (H⁺) in a reaction, lowering the pH.
Give examples of acidic groups.
Examples include -COOH (carboxylic acid), -OH (hydroxyl), and -SH (thiol) groups.
What determines the strength of an acidic group?
Acidity increases with electron-withdrawing groups nearby and resonance stabilization of the conjugate base.
What is a basic group?
A basic group is a functional group that accepts a proton (H⁺) in a reaction, raising the pH.
Give examples of basic groups.
Examples include -NH₂ (amino group), -OH (in some cases), and R-NH (secondary amines).
What determines the strength of a basic group?
Basicity increases with electron-donating groups and decreases with resonance or electron-withdrawing groups.
