Chemistry 331 - Fall 1996

Chapter 3 - Alkenes. Organic Reactions

New Skills

Knowledge - Level 1

know the terminology:

saturated / unsaturated
homolytic / heterolytic (for bond breaking)
homogenic / heterogenic (for bond making)
nucleophile / electrophile (electron-pair donor / acceptor)
endothermic / exothermic (absorbs / releases heat energy)

know the IUPAC rules for nomenclature of alkenes and dienes

know the sequence rules for assigning priorities (E / Z)


Concepts - Level 2

understand the implications of alkene structure
(pi bonding, planar, cis-trans isomerism)

understand the concept of dynamic equilibrium
(reversible interconversion of reactants and products)

understand the distinction between thermodynamics and kinetics
(equilibrium versus rate)

understand the use of electron-pushing arrows to show electron flow

understand the concept of a reaction mechanism
(a step-by-step account of how a reaction occurs)

understand the features of a reaction energy diagram
(activation energy, Ea, and heat of reaction, delta H)

understand the concept of a transition state
(the transient molecular structure at the peak of energy, Ea)

understand the structure and reactivity of a carbocation
(trigonal planar, sp2, strong electrophile)


Applications - Level 3

write IUPAC names for alkenes and dienes, including E/Z designation

classify organic reactions as to type:
(addition, elimination, substitution, rearrangement)

write the reaction mechanism for the addition of HCl to ethene

label the main features of a reaction energy diagram
(Ea, delta H, transition state, the axes)

draw an appropriate reaction energy diagram, given Ea and delta H

follow the electron flow in an given reaction using electron-pushing arrows

identify nucleophiles and electrophiles in a given reaction


Analytical Skills - Level 4 & higher

write a reaction mechanism for an electrophilic addition to an alkene

propose possible reaction mechanisms for a given reaction

propose a possible transition state structure for a given reaction

create a reaction energy diagram for a given reaction