Organics: Enantiomers and Polymerisation Flashcards
When can molecules exist as enantiomers?
Molecules can exist as enantiomers when it has an asymmetrical carbon atom, i.e a central atom with four different groups attached, also known as the chiral carbon. This creates two molecules which are mirror images of each other and that are non-superimposable.
How can enantiomers be distinguished from one another?
Enantiomers can be distinguished based on their ability to rotate plane polarised light. One enantiomer will rotate the plane polarised light to the left, while the other will rotate the plane polarised light to the right.
What is the amide peptide bond? Where does the linkage break?
HN-C=O. Linkage breaks between N-C.
How is the peptide bond broken and what happens?
The peptide bond is broken using water. H is added to one molecule and OH is added to another.
What happens in Acid Hydrolysis?
In acid hydrolysis, the molecule gains a proton as acids are proton donors.
What happens in Base hydrolysis?
In base hydrolysis, the molecule loses a proton as bases are proton acceptors.
What happens in condensation polymerisation?
During condensation polymerisation, small monomers join together releasing water.
