Module 4 Flashcards
Define homologous series
A series of organic compounds having the same functional group but with each successive member differeing by CH2
Define structural isomers
Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae
Define homolytic covalent bond fission
Each bonding atom receiving one electron from the boned pair, forming two radicals
Define heterolytic covalent bond fission
One bonding atom receiving both electrons from the bonded pair
Define radical
A species with an unpaired electron, and is represented by a dot: •
Explain the use of a ‘curly arrow’ in mechanisms
It shows the movement of an electron pair, showing either heterolytic fission, or formation of a covalent bond
Define alkanes
Saturated hydrocarbons containing single C-C and C-H bonds as σ-bonds.
What is a σ-bond?
Overlap of orbitals directly between the bonding atom, so have free rotation of the σ-bond
Describe and explain the shape and bond angles in alkanes
Alkanes are formed up of four atoms bonded to a central atom, so they repel equally giving a tetrahedral shape and a bond angle of 109.5°
Describe the difference in boiling points of alkanes
- Increasing the chain of a alkane increases the amount of london forces, meaning more induced dipoles can occur, so an increase in boiling point
- Increasing the amount of branching decreases the surface area of contact between molecules, giving fewer London forces, so less induced dipoles, so a lower boiling point
Explain the low reactivity with alkanes with many different reagents
Alkanes have very high bond enthalpies and very low polarity of the σ-bonds present, so is very unreactive
Describe the combustion of alkanes
- Alkanes combust in excess oxygen to form carbon dioxide and water
- This is why they can make good fuels
- Alkanes combust in limited oxygen to form carbon monoxide (or carbon) and water
- This can cause potential dangers as CO prevents oxygen from binding to haemoglobin.
Name the type of reaction between a alkane and a halogen (Either chlorine or bromine)
Radical substitution
Describe the mechanism for the bromonation of methane
- Initiation
- Br2 → 2Br• (Under UV radiation)
- Propagation
- CH4 + Br• → •CH3 + HBr
- •CH3 + Br2 → CH3Br + Br•
- Termination (either of them could have)
- 2Br• → Br2
- 2•CH3 → C2H6
- •CH3 + Br• → CH3Br
Explain the limitations of using radical substitution in organic synthesis
- Further substitution can occur
- Can react at different positions in a carbon chain, so large mixture of products are formed
Define alkenes
Unsaturated hydrocarbons containing a C=C bond comprising a π-bond and a σ-bond, giving restricted rotation around the C=C bond
What is a π-bond?
Sideways overlap of adjacent p-orbitals above and below the bonding atoms
Explain the shape and bond angle of alkenes around the carbons which are part of the C=C
There are three bonded atoms to the central carbon atom, and they all equally repel, giving a trigonal planer shape and a bond angle of 120°
Define stereoisomers
Compounds with the same structural formula, but with a different arrangement in space
Define E/Z isomerism
An example of stereoisomerism where restricted rotation about a double bond and the requirement of two different groups to be attached to each carbon atom of the C=C group
Define cis-trans isomerism
A special case of E/Z isomerism in which two of the substituent groups attached to each carbon atom of the group is the same