Topic 4 Definitions Flashcards
Unsaturated hydrocarbon
Contains at least one C=C or C≡C bond.
Sigma bond
A covalent bond formed by the linear overlap of atomic orbitals.
Pi bond
A covalent bond formed by the sideways overlap of p orbitals.
Bond length
The distance between the nuclei of two covalently bonded atoms.
Hydrogenation
Addition of a hydrogen molecule across a C=C.
Electrophile
An ion or molecule that attacks regions of high electron density.
Primary carbocation
A carbocation which has one carbon atom directly bonded to the positively charged carbon.
Secondary carbocation
A carbocation which has two carbon atoms directly bonded to the positively charged carbon.
Tertiary carbocation
A carbocation which has three carbon atoms directly bonded to the positively charged carbon.
Polymerisation
Joining together of many small molecules (monomers) to form a large molecule.
Monomers
Many small molecules which join together to form a polymer.
Polymer
A large molecule formed when monomers join together.
