Organic Reactions

What do all organic molecules contain

Carbon

What is a homologous series

family of organic compounds with same functional group

Why are alkenes not used as fuels

They release less energy per mole in combustion. causing incomplete combustion

What does reacting alkenes with hydrogen do

Turn it into an alkane. At 60`C. Needs Nickel Catalyst

What is the reaction of alkene with steam (water)

• Make alcohol

• Requires heat and high pressure. Reversible reaction

What is the reaction of alcohol with alkenes in fermentation

• Breaking down of glucose into alcohol. Uses yeast.

• Mixing alcohols with water gives neutral solution. Dissolve organic compounds like ink.

• Yeast acts as catalyst

What is the reaction of alcohol with alkenes in combustion (reaction with oxygen)

• Flammable.

What is the reaction of alcohol with alkenes in Oxidation (Carboxylic Acid)

What is a carboxylic Acid

• All contain -COOH functional group

• Form acidic solution when dissolved in water

• E.g. ethanoic acid main acid in vinegar

What is the reaction of alcohol with sodium

• Effervesces (gives off gas bubbles)

• Ethanol can also be oxidised by action of microbes in air

What are Esters

Reaction of alcohols with carboxylic acids (esterification). Replace H atom in -COOH by hydrocarbon (alkyl) group. Is Volatile (evaporates easily) and nice smell.

Why are carboxylic acids called ‘weak acids’

• Only a small proportion of the atoms will ionise as it has a higher pH, so lower H+(aq) concentration. Incomplete ionisation because reaction is reversible.

• CO2 given off more slowly when metal carbonate reacts with carboxylic acid

• E.g. Methanoic acid has lower pH than ethanoic so is a stronger acid as it has higher concentration of hydrogen ions so more collisions per unit time.

What is the homologous series of carboxylic acids

• Methanoic acid: HCOOH

• Ethanoic acid: CH3COOH

• Propanoic acid: C2H6COOH

• Butanoic Acid: C3H7COOH