Organic Reactions and Polymers Lecture Review

This set of vocabulary flashcards covers the fundamental types of organic chemical reactions (substitution, addition, elimination, and polymerization) and the properties and types of polymers (natural, synthetic, monomers, and specific industrial examples).

Substitution Reaction

The type of chemical reaction where one atom or group of atoms is swapped with another atom on a molecule.

Addition Reaction

A reaction where an atom or group of atoms are added to the adjacent carbons of a multiple bond, commonly seen with unsaturated compounds.

Elimination Reaction

A reaction where atoms are removed from a compound, often resulting in multiple products such as the transformation of $C_8H_{10} \rightarrow C_8H_8 + H_2$.

Polymerization Reaction

A type of reaction in which the repetitious combining of many small molecules produces a very large molecule.

Reactant

The part of a chemical equation representing the raw materials for a chemical reaction.

Product

The part of a chemical equation representing the output of a chemical reaction.

Unsaturated compounds

The type of compounds, such as alkenes and alkynes, commonly used as reactants during addition reactions.

Alkanes

Hydrocarbons that typically undergo substitution reactions rather than addition reactions.

Alkyl halide

The end product resulting from the addition reaction of an alkene and a hydrogen halide.

Polymers

Macromolecules consisting of smaller units, commonly referred to as 'plastics'.

Monomer

The individual subunit, such as $F_2C=CF_2$, that combines with others to form a polymer.

Cellulose

A natural polymer that constitutes cotton, used extensively in clothing and home furnishings.

Natural Polymers

Materials that occur in nature, examples of which include cellulose, starch, protein, silk, and wool.

Synthetic Polymers

Artificial polymers usually derived from petroleum oil, such as plastic and PVC.

Nylon

A synthetic polymer used in the manufacturing of raincoats, parachutes, and fish nets.

Plexiglas

A thermoplastic transparent material also known as acrylic glass, formed from methyl metacrylate.

Polypropylene

A polymer used in packaging and automotive parts that results from the polymerization of $H_2C=CHCH_3$.

Thermoset polymers

A category of polymers characterized by the fact that they cannot be recycled easily.

Terylene

An example of a polyester polymer.

Elastomer

A type of polymer that possesses few crosslinks within its structure.

Polyethylene

A common polymer used for items such as milk containers, black garden tubing, and plastic garbage bags.