Organic chemistry Flashcards
What is a structural isomer
Different structural formulae
AND same molecular formula
What are the factors that affect alkanes
-size/length om molecule
-degree of branching
How does branching affect the boiling point
Boiling point decreases with more branching. This is because more branching gives less surface contact and weaker London dispersion forces so less energy is required to overcome these forces
State the meaning of the term electrophile
Electron pair acceptor
Suggest the general formula for a carboxylic acid.
CnH2nO2
OR
CnH2n+1COOH
What is meant by the term homologous series?
series of compounds with the same
functional group and each successive member differing by CH2
What does a curly arrow represent in mechanisms?
Movement of an electron pair
State the general formula for these cycloalkanes.
CnH2n
Explain the increase in boiling points of the cycloalkanes.
More surface area of contact so more van der waals forces and more energy required to overcome these forces
Explain what is meant by the term stereoisomers.
Compounds with the) same structural
formula but a different arrangement (of
atoms) in space
What is the general formula of alkyl groups?
CnH2n + 1
Why is this step an example of homolytic fission
One electron from the bond goes to each atom
At room temperature and pressure, the first four members of the alkanes are all gases but the
first four alcohols are all liquids.
Explain this difference in terms of intermolecular forces.
Alcohols have hydrogen bonds (and van
der Waals’ forces) ✓
Hydrogen bonds are stronger than van der
Waals’ forces (in alkanes) ✓
Describe how a σ-bond forms.
Overlap of orbitals directly between the
bonding atoms
What is a aliphatic hydrocarbon
Hydrocarbon with carbon atoms joined together in a straight line or branched chain
What is a aromatic hydrocarbon
Hydrocarbon that contains at least one benzene ring
What is a alicyclic hydrocarbon
Hydrocarbons arranged in a non aromatic rings with or without side chains
State the meaning of the term nucleophile
Electron pair donator
