Organic Chemistry Flashcards
Explain how a racemic mixture is formed
The molecule is planar so there is an equal probability of attack from above or below.
What are the advantages of recycling plastics?
- reduces landfills
- saves raw material
- lower cost of recycling than making from scratch
What are the disadvantages of recycling plastics?
The process of collection, transportation and sorting is expensive.
How is Biodiesel made?
Oil is reacted with methanol to form a mixture of methyl esters and propane-1,2,3-triol
Why are the boiling points of amines lower than those of comparable alcohols?
Nitrogen is less electronegative than oxygen so the hydrogen bonds are not as strong as those in alcohols.
What is a inductive effect?
Alkyl groups release electrons away from the alkyl group and towards the nitrogen atom. This increases the electron density of the nitrogen atom, making it a better electron pair donor.
Why are primary alkylamines stronger bases than ammonia?
Inductive effect makes nitrogen a better electron pair donor.
Why are secondary alkylamines stronger bases than primary alkylamines?
Secondary alkylamines have 2 inductive effects and are therefore stronger bases.
Why are tertiary alkylamines not stronger bases than secondary alkylamines?
They are less soluble in water.
Why are polyalkenes non biodegradable?
Only strong, non-polar C-H and C-C bonds.
Why are polyesters and polyamides biodegradable?
Polar bonds which can be broken down by hydrolysis.
What is Nylon 6,6 made from?
1-6-diaminohexane and hexane-1,6-dicarboxylic acid
What is Kevlar made from?
Benzene 1,4-diamine and Benzene 1,4-dicarboxylic acid
Explain aromatic stability?
The electrons in the p-orbital of the benzene ring overlap and are delocalised. They form a region of electron density above and below the ring which makes the structure very stable.
What are the advantages of ethanoic anhydridge over ethanoyl chloride?
- Cheaper
- Less corrosive
- Does not react with water as readily
- Safer, by-product is ethanoic acid rather than HCl
