Isomerism and Reaction Mechanisms

Define structural isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formulae

Different types of structural isomers (3)

-          Chain isomers

-          Position isomers

-          Functional group isomers

Define chain isomerism

The carbon chain is different (branched chains)

Define position isomerism

Same functional group is at different points in the chain

Define functional group isomerism

Molecules contain different functional groups

Aldehydes can have the functional isomers of which functional group?

Ketones

Carboxylic acids can have the functional isomers of which functional group?

Esters

Alkenes can have the functional isomers of which functional group?

cycloalkanes

Define homolytic fission

When a covalent bond breaks, each of the bonded atoms takes one of the shared electrons from the bond

Define radical

A species with an unpaired electron

Define electrophile

Electron pair acceptor

Define nucleophile

Electron pair donor

Define heterolytic fission

When a covalent bond breaks, one of the bonded atoms gain both of the electrons from the shared pair

What are curly arrows used to show in a reaction mechanism?

The movement of electron pairs

Number of reactants and products in an addition reaction:

                  Reactants : 2

                  Products : 1

Number of reactant and products in a substitution reaction

                  Reactants : 2

                  Products: 2

Number of reactants and products in an elimination reaction

                  Reactants : 1

                  Products: 2