Chemistry Concepts and Reactions

Flashcards covering key concepts and definitions in transition elements, reaction mechanisms, and properties in chemistry.

Transition Elements

Elements that have partially filled d-orbitals and exhibit variable oxidation states.

Variable Oxidation States

Transition elements exhibit variable oxidation states due to the similar energy of ns and (n-1)d orbitals.

Paramagnetism

A property exhibited by transition elements due to the presence of unpaired electrons.

Lanthanide Contraction

The gradual decrease in atomic size from La to Lu due to poor shielding of 4f electrons.

Crystal Field Splitting

The splitting of d-orbitals in the presence of ligands, which affects the color of transition metal ions.

SN1 Mechanism

A unimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction that occurs in two steps, leading to racemization.

SN2 Mechanism

A bimolecular nucleophilic substitution reaction that occurs in one step with backside attack, known as Walden inversion.

Colligative Properties

Properties that depend on the number of solute particles in a solution, regardless of the nature of the solute.

Raoult's Law

The principle that vapor pressure is proportional to the mole fraction of a solvent in ideal solutions.

Aldehydes vs Ketones

Aldehydes have terminal C=O, while ketones have internal C=O, leading to different reactivity.

Williamson Ether Synthesis

A method for preparing ethers by the reaction of an alkoxide with an alkyl halide, following the SN2 mechanism.

Nucleophilic Substitution

A reaction in which a nucleophile replaces a leaving group, applicable to alkyl halides and categorized into SN1 and SN2.