CAPE Unit 2 Chemistry Review

A series of flashcards covering key concepts from the CAPE Unit 2 Chemistry lecture notes.

What is a functional group?

A group of atoms within a molecule that has a characteristic chemical behaviour.

What is a homologous series?

A group of molecules of the same general formula, carrying the same functional group and exhibiting similar chemical properties.

What type of reactions do alkanes mainly undergo?

Substitution reactions.

What are the two methods of bond breaking in alkanes?

Homolytic and heterolytic bond breaking.

What signifies homolytic bond breaking?

Symmetrical bond breaking.

What signifies heterolytic bond breaking?

Unsymmetrical bond breaking.

What is halogenation?

The substitution of a hydrogen atom of an alkane with a halogen, occurring through free radical substitution.

What is the initiation step in the halogenation of alkanes?

Irradiation of the halogen with UV light to initiate homolytic breakage of covalent bonds.

What occurs during the propagation step of halogenation?

A reactive halogen radical abstracts a hydrogen atom from an alkane, forming hydrogen halide and an alkyl radical.

What happens during the termination step in free radical reactions?

Two radicals collide to form a bond, ending the reaction cycle.

What is cracking in organic chemistry?

The breakdown of saturated hydrocarbon molecules (alkanes) into smaller products through heat, pressure, and catalysts.

What conditions are used for thermal cracking?

High temperatures (450-750°C) and pressures (up to 70 atm).

What is combustion?

Exothermic reactions of hydrocarbons with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Why are alkenes more reactive than alkanes?

Due to the presence of a carbon-carbon double bond.

What type of reaction do alkenes primarily undergo?

Electrophilic addition reactions.

What characterizes the product of an alkene reacting with Br2(l)?

A vicinal dihaloalkane, which is a dihaloalkane with halogen substituents on adjacent carbons.

What is produced when an alkene reacts with cold acidified potassium manganate (VII)?

A vicinal diol (glycol).

What are alcohols classified based on?

The number of carbons to which the carbon carrying the hydroxyl group is joined.

What is the use of sodium hydroxide in reactions of halogenoalkanes?

To hydrolyze halogenoalkanes, producing alcohol and hydrohalic acid.

What distinguishes primary, secondary, and tertiary alcohols?

The number of carbon atoms attached to the carbon with the hydroxyl group.

What is the iodoform test used for?

To test for specific alcohols and carbonyl compounds that can produce a pale yellow precipitate.

What products result from the hydrolysis of esters?

Sodium salt of the carboxylic acid and alcohol.

In the context of benzene reactions, what is electrophilic substitution?

A reaction mechanism where electrophiles replace hydrogen atoms in the benzene ring.

What is the role of a Friedel-Crafts catalyst in benzene halogenation?

To facilitate the halogenation process.

What health risks are associated with aluminum exposure?

Potential neurotoxic effects and contribution to disease.