TERMS

&
DEFINITIONS
Amide

A functional group considered as a derivative of the carboxylic acid group in

which the −OH of the carboxyl group is replaced by −NH2. It is represented as
−CONH2.
Amine

A functional group made up of a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms.

This −NH2 group (known as an amino group) replaces one hydrogen in the
structure of an alkane.
Carbocation

The positively charged species formed following the heterolytic fission of the C
– X bond in a halogenalkane

Chiral

A chiral molecule and its mirror image cannot be placed so they match exactly.
A chiral molecule lacks a plane of symmetry in the molecule. A chiral carbon in
a molecule is one that has four different substituents attached.
Condensation reaction

A reaction in which two molecules containing functional groups react and join
together with the formation of a small molecule (often water).

Elimination reaction

The removal of a hydrogen halide HX from a halogenoalkane to form an alkene.

Occurs in competition with substitution reactions when a halogenoalkane is
reacted with a nucleophile.

E1 (unimolecular elimination)

An elimination reaction in which the rate of reaction depends on the concentration

of the halogenoalkane only: Rate = k[RX]. In the two-step process a carbocation
forms slowly by the spontaneus heterolytic fission of the C – X bond in a
halogenalkane .A base then removes a hydrogen atom from the carbon atom
adjacent to the C–X carbon atom.
E2 (bimolecular elimination)

An elimination eaction in which the rate of reaction depends on the concentration of

the halogenoalkane and the base (B): Rate = k[B][RX]. In the one-step process the
base attacks a hydrogen atom on the carbon atom adjacent o the C–X carbon atom,
forming a transition state with partially formed C–X, C–H, B–H and C=C bonds.

Enantiomers

Isomers that are that not identical to their mirror images; non-superimposable
mirror images. Enantiomers rotate plane-polarized light to the same extent, but in
opposite directions. One is therefore the (−) or l-form, the other the (+) or d-form.

Geometric isomers

Molecules with the same molecular formula and structural formula, but with
different spatial arrangements of atoms due to restricted rotation about a double
bond or a ring structure.
Heterolytic fission

The breaking of a covalent bond in which one of the atoms involved in the bond
retains both electrons from the bonds, forming an anion.

Homologous series

A family of compounds that share the same general formula, similar chemical
properties, same functional group.

Nitrile

A functional group made up of a carbon atom triple-bonded to a nitrogen atom,

represented as –CN; sometimes called cyanides or cyano compounds.

Nucleophile

An electron-rich, nucleus-loving species. A reactant with a non-bonding electron

pair, or a negative charge that is attracted to a centre of positive charge.
Nucleophilic substitution

A substitution reaction in which a nucleophile is attracted to a positively charged

centre.

Optical isomers

Molecules with the same molecular and structural formulas, but with different
spatial arrangements of atoms. Molecules that are not identical to their mirror
image. Also known as enantiomers.

Reaction pathway

A series of steps that traces the reaction of a reactant to form a product which it
cannot form directly.

Stereoisomers

Molecules with the same molecular and structural formulas, but with different
spatial arrangements of atoms. Two types occur, geometric and optical.
Steric hindrance

A change in reactivity due to the spatial arrangement of groups of atoms. It

includes the tendency of bulky alkyl groups to crowd the approach of an attacking
species, or the crowding by groups of atoms within the same molecule.
Concepts