topic 2-synthesis

Question 1

homolytic fission

Answer 1

covalent bonds break and each atom gets one electron from the former bond then free radicals are formed

Question 2

free radical reactions(homolytic) are —– for synthesis reactions

Answer 2

unsuitable since they result in the formation of complex mixtures in the product

Question 3

free radical reactions consist of-

Answer 3

initiation, propagation and termination

Question 4

heterolytic reaction

Answer 4

covalent bonds break and one atom retains both electrons from the former bond, and then oppositely charged ions are formed, this reaction is favoured when the bonds are polar

Question 5

HaloAlkanes

Answer 5

In alkanes with a halogen attached to one of the branches, the main type of reaction undergone by the haloalkanes is nucleophilic substitution, this is due to the polar carbon bond. the slightly positive carbon is vulnerable to a nucleophilic attack

Question 6

nucleophiles are-

Answer 6

atoms or groups that are attracted to atoms with a partial positive charge are capable of donating and sharing electron pairs.

Question 7

alkoxide is an-

Answer 7

basic salt that is derived from an alcohol by the replacement of the hydroxyl hydrogen with a metal.

Question 8

SN1 mechanism

Answer 8

a two-step process where tertiary haloalkanes undergo nucleophilic substitution, there is more steric hindrance so there is not enough space for an attacking nucleophile

Question 9

SN2 mechanism

Answer 9

a single step proccess where primary haloalkanes undergo nucleophilic substitution, these are less stable than tertiary carbocations and are unlikely to form.

Question 10

ethers are-

Answer 10

they have a general formula of ‘R-O-R’ where ‘R’ are alkyl groups, they have lower boiling points than their isometric alcohols since they don’t have any hydrogen bonding, commonly used as solvents.

Question 11

ethers are prepared by

Answer 11

nucleophilic substitution of haloalkanes with alkoxides

Question 12

alkenes undergo

Answer 12

electrophilic addition reactions

Question 13

electrophiles are

Answer 13

atoms or groups of atoms which are attracted towards atoms bearing a (partial) negative charge, they accept electron pairs

Question 14

for the electrophilic addition the H-X or H-OH

Answer 14

adds to the carbon of the double bond that already has the greatest amount of hydrogens attached, this is the major product.