Unit 3: Section 3- Alkenes and Alcohols + RP5 Flashcards
What is the general formula of alkenes?
CnH2n
How can you use one word to describe alkenes?
unsaturated
What shape is the arrangement of bonds around the C=C bond?
planar
What is the bond angle in alkenes around the C=C bond?
120
Explain why alkenes are vulnerable to attack by other species
Because the pi bonds are exposed which have high electron density.
What does a C=C double covalent bond consist of?
one sigma bond
one pi bond
What type of isomerism can alkenes exhibit?
E-Z stereoisomerism
Define electrophile
an electron pair acceptor
What is an addition reaction?
where two reactants form one product
Describe each step in the electrophilic addition reaction between bromine and alkenes
- the C=C bond repels the electrons in Br2, polarising Br-Br
- the double bond then attracts the Br slightly +, and forms a bond with it. this repels electrons in the Br-Br bond further, until it breaks
- you get a positively charged carbocation intermediate, the Br slightly - bonds to the C
- one product is formed
What is a carbocation?
a positively charged carbon atom
What do alkenes form when they react with hydrogen halides?
halogenoalkanes
Give three examples of electrophiles
H+
NO2+
Br slightly +
Draw the mechanism for the electrophilic addition reaction between ethene and hydrogen bromide
Why is HBr a polar molecule?
Br is more electronegative than H
What happens if you add a hydrogen halide to an unsymmetrical alkene?
two isomeric products- 1 major product, 1 minor product
What does the amount of product formed in electrophilic addition of alkenes and hydrogen halides depend upon?
how stable the carbocation intermediate is
What is the order for stability of carbocations?
tertiary (most)
primary (least)
Draw the mechanism for hydrogen bromide reacting with propene
What is the chemical formula for sulphuric acid?
H2SO4
What are the two changes in functional groups in electrophilic reactions with alkenes and H2SO4?
- change in functional group from alkene to alkyl hydrogen sulphate
- change in functional group from alkyl hydrogen sulphate to alcohol
Describe the reaction between sulphuric acid and alkenes
- cold concentrated sulphuric acid reacts with an alkene in an electrophilic addition reaction
- if you then add cold water, and warm the product, it hydrolyses to form an alcohol
- the sulphuric acid isn’t used up- it acts as a catalyst