Organic Chemistry I - Chapter 1: Structure and Bonding

These flashcards cover essential concepts from Chapter 1 of Organic Chemistry I regarding structure and bonding.

What are the subatomic particles in an atom?

Electrons, protons, and neutrons.

What is the difference between core electrons and valence electrons?

Core electrons are those that are not involved in bonding, while valence electrons are the outermost electrons that engage in chemical reactions.

How can one predict the type of bonding from electronegativity?

By comparing the electronegativity values of the atoms involved, one can determine if the bonding is ionic, covalent, or polar covalent.

What is hybridization in chemistry?

Hybridization is the mixing of atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can be used for bonding.

What does MO theory explain?

Molecular Orbital (MO) theory explains the wave-based nature of electrons, bonding, and anti-bonding interactions.

What is the significance of the principal quantum number (n)?

The principal quantum number indicates the energy level of an electron in an atom.

How does the second quantum number (l) affect orbital shapes?

The second quantum number determines the shape of the orbital, such as s, p, d, or f.

What does the magnetic quantum number (m_l) indicate?

The magnetic quantum number specifies the orientation of the orbital in space.

What is the importance of the concept of bonding in quantum mechanics?

Bonding is understood in terms of the wave nature of electrons and constructive/destructive interference of their wave functions.

What is a sigma bond?

A sigma bond is formed by the direct overlap of atomic orbitals.

What is a pi bond?

A pi bond is formed when there is sideways overlap of p orbitals, typically in double or triple bonds.

What is the relationship between bond length and bond strength?

Generally, shorter bonds are stronger because they have higher electron density in the region of overlap.

What is the structure of methane (CH4)?

Methane has a tetrahedral shape with bond angles of approximately 109.5 degrees.

What is the hybridization of a carbocation?

A carbocation usually adopts sp2 hybridization.

What kind of electron configuration does fluoride have?

Fluoride has the electron configuration of 1s²2s²2p⁶.

How are skeletal formulas used in chemistry?

Skeletal formulas are simplified representations of organic compounds, showing only the carbon skeleton and functional groups.

What is a functional group in organic chemistry?

A functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for its characteristic chemical reactions.

Describe a covalent bond.

A covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between two atoms.

What significant feature distinguishes p orbitals from s orbitals?

P orbitals have directionality and can hold a maximum of six electrons, while s orbitals are spherical and hold a maximum of two electrons.

What is the VSEPR theory used for?

The Valence Shell Electron Pair Repulsion (VSEPR) theory is used to predict the geometry of molecules based on electron pair arrangements.