Hydrocarbons Flashcards
When is a sigma bond formed?
If the two half-filled atomic orbitals overlap ‘end-on’ or along the axis of the bond.
When is a pi bond formed?
If the two atomic orbitals lie perpendicular to the bond and overlap side-on.
Why are sigma bonds stronger than pi bonds?
Because end-on overlap of atomic orbitals is more efficient than side-on overlap.
Why might we expect carbon to only form 2 bonds as opposed to 4?
Because Carbon only has two half filled p orbitals.
What is hybridisation?
The process of mixing atomic orbitals on an atom to generate a set of new atomic orbitals called hybrid orbitals.
What happens to three 2p orbitals and the one 2s orbital.
They mix to form four degenerate hybrid orbitals
How many sigma bond does ethane have?
7
What is the name given to the hybrid orbitals found in ethane and ethene?
sp3 and sp2
What is a substitution reaction?
When an atom or a group of atoms in molecule is replaced by another atom or group of atoms.
During the Initiation step, what does the ultra violet light do?
It provides the energy required to break the chlorine-chlorine bond and to split some of the chlorine molecules into atoms.
What does a dot represent?
An unpaired electron
What type of fission takes place between the chlorine atoms?
Homolytic
When does homolytic fission occur?
When there is little or no polarity in the bond
What are radicals?
Atoms or groups of atoms with unpaired electrons
Desrcribe radicals
extremely unstable and therefore highly reactive
