U3-3-1 - Synthesis Basics

Question 1

What does a double headed arrow mean in a mechanism?

Answer 1

A pair of electrons is transferred

Question 2

What determines which element gets the bonding electrons (and a negative charge)?

Answer 2

More electronegative atom gets the electrons.

Question 3

Nucleophile

Answer 3

Negatively charged ion or neutral e⁻ rich molecule

(e.g. OH^–, NH₃)

Question 4

Electrophile

Answer 4

Positively charged ion or neutral e⁻ deficient molecule

(e.g. H⁺)

Question 5

In a mechanism, should the head of a curly arrow point at the nucleophile or electrophile?

Answer 5

Electrophile

(from negative to positive)

Question 6

Substitution reaction

Answer 6

A reaction where a functional group is replaced by a different one.

Question 7

Elimination reaction

Answer 7

A reaction where a small molecule is removed from the reactant molecule (e.g. HCl or H₂O).