Organic Chemistry Reaction Mechanisms

Flashcards summarizing key organic chemistry reaction mechanisms and concepts.

Acid-base reaction

A reaction where one molecule donates a proton (H⁺) and another accepts it.

Radical halogenation

A reaction where Br₂ splits into single Br atoms under light or heat, with one Br attaching to the alkane.

SN2

A substitution reaction where the nucleophile attacks and displaces the leaving group in one concerted step.

SN1

A substitution reaction where the leaving group departs first, forming a carbocation before the nucleophile attacks.

E2

An elimination reaction where a base removes a hydrogen and the leaving group departs simultaneously to form a double bond.

E1

An elimination reaction where the leaving group departs first to form a carbocation, followed by base-induced removal of a hydrogen.

Alcohol dehydration

A process where an acid converts an alcohol's -OH into water, facilitating the formation of a double bond.

Tosylate formation

A reaction that replaces a hydroxyl group with a tosylate to create a better leaving group.

Oxidation of alcohols

The process where alcohols are converted into carbonyl compounds (aldehydes or ketones).

Reduction of carbonyls

The process of adding hydrogens to carbonyls (C=O) to convert them into alcohols.

Grignard reagent

A super-reactive carbon species used to convert halides into alcohols.

Catalytic hydrogenation

A reaction that adds H₂ across double or triple bonds to convert them into single bonds.

Hydrohalogenation

A reaction that adds HX across a double bond, typically following Markovnikov's rule unless using peroxides.

Hydration

An acid-catalyzed reaction where H and OH add across a double bond to produce alcohol.

Hydroboration-oxidation

A two-step reaction where BH₃ is added, followed by oxidation, yielding alcohol at the less substituted carbon.

Halogenation

A reaction adding two halogens across a double bond, landing opposite each other.

Halohydrin formation

A reaction that introduces one halogen and one hydroxyl group across a double bond on opposite sides.

Epoxidation

A reaction that converts a double bond into a three-membered oxygen ring.

Dihydroxylation

A reaction adding two hydroxyl groups on the same side of a double bond.

Oxidative cleavage

A process that breaks a double bond and converts each side into a carbonyl compound.