Chemistry Definitions Module 4.1.3

a type of covalent bond which forms when s-orbitals overlap head-on. Can rotate freely.

a type of covalent bond formed when adjacent p-orbitals overlap sideways above/below bonding atoms. Can’t be rotated; have low bond enthalpy.

the formation of a long chain molecule when many monomers join together

a reaction in which molecules combine to form a single product

Organic compound containing at least one C=C bond

Can be decomposed by bacteria or other living organisms

energy required to break one mole of gaseous bonds

a substance which increases rate of a reaction without being used up

a type of E/Z isomerism in which the two substituent groups attached to the cabon atoms are the same. According to the CIP priority rules, cis isomers have the highest priority substituents on the same side of the double bond (both above or below) while trans isomers have them on the opposite sides (one above and one below).

a strong bond formed between 2 atoms due to the electrostatic attraction between a shared pair of electrons and the atomic nuclei.

pairs of electrons around a nucleus repel each other so the shape that a molecule adopts has these pairs of electrons positioned as far apart as possible. As a result, carbon atoms in alkenes have a trigonal planar shape and a bond angle of 120°.

an electron pair acceptor.

a reaction in which a π bond is broken and 2 new σ bonds form as a result of the addition of an electron pair acceptor (electrophile).

a type of stereoisomerism caused by the restricted rotation of π bonds. Two different groups must be attached to each carbon atom of the C=C group. According to the CIP priority rules, Z isomers have the highest priority substituents on the same side of the double bond (both above or below) while E isomers have them on the opposite sides (one above and one below).

when a covalent bond breaks, one bonding atom receives both electrons from the bonding pair, resulting in the formation of oppositely charged ions.

a compound which contains carbon and hydrogen atoms only.

used to predict what the major product of an addition reaction will be when H-X is added to an unsymmetrical alkene. H attaches to the less substituted carbon to generate the more stable carbocation intermediate.

a small molecule that is used to form polymers.

a substance that can be broken down by light.

a large molecule made from many small units that have been bonded together.

a molecule in which the carbon with the positive charge is only attached to one alkyl group. This is the least stable carbocation.

a structure within a polymer that appears over and over again. Joining many repeat units together would form the polymer.

a molecule in which the carbon with the positive charge is attached to two alkyl groups. This is more stable than a primary carbocation but less stable than a tertiary carbocation.

compounds with the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space.