Alkanes

Question 1

What are the 3 types of isomers for alkanes?

Answer 1

• Chain
• Position
• Functional group

Question 2

What is structural isomerism?

Answer 2

Same molecular formula but different structural formula

Question 3

What are the characteristics of chain isomerism?

Answer 3

• Similar chemical properties
• Slightly different physical properties
• More branching = lower boiling point

Question 4

What is the characteristic of positional isomerism?

Answer 4

Molecules have the same functional group but in a different position

Question 5

What are the characteristics of functional group isomerism?

Answer 5

• Contain different functional groups
• Very different properties

Question 6

What are curly arrows?

Answer 6

• Used to show the movement of electron pairs
• Go from electron-rich species to electron-poor species
• Start from lone pairs or bonds or between a pair of atoms/on an atom
• Electrons taken out = bond broken
• Electrons placed between 2 atoms = bond formed

Question 7

What is a mechanism?

Answer 7

Shows the steps by which reactants turn into products

Question 8

What is a chain reaction?

Answer 8

Free radicals are produced which lead to the reaction of thousands of molecules

Question 9

Why are alkanes unreactive?

Answer 9

1. C – H and C – C sigma bonds are VERY STRONG
2. Molecules are non-polar