Alkenes, Electrophilic Addition, and Addition Polymers Flashcards

Flashcards on Alkenes, Electrophilic Addition, and Addition Polymers

Alkenes

Unsaturated hydrocarbons containing a carbon-carbon double bond.

Carbon-Carbon Double Bond

Area of high electron density in alkenes that is susceptible to attack from electrophiles.

Electrophiles

Species that are attracted to ∂- areas.

Electrophiles

Electron acceptors attracted to areas of high electron density.

Electrophilic Addition

Reaction where electrophiles attack the double bond in alkenes.

Carbocation

A carbon atom with only three bonds, having a positive charge.

Tertiary > Secondary > Primary

Carbocation stability order.

Addition Polymers

Polymers produced from alkenes where the double bond is broken to form a repeating unit.

Effect of Reaction Conditions on Polymer Properties

High pressures and temperatures produce branched chain polymers with weak intermolecular forces; lower pressures and temperatures produce straight chain polymers with strong intermolecular forces.

Properties of Addition Polymers

Unreactive hydrocarbon chains with multiple strong, non-polar covalent bonds that are not biodegradable.

PVC

Poly(chloroethene) with waterproof properties due to addition of plasticisers.