Chemical Reactions in Organic Chemistry



What is an addition reaction?

An addition reaction occurs when two reactants combine to form a single product, which is common in alkenes and alkynes.

What happens in a substitution reaction?

In a substitution reaction, an atom or group in a molecule is replaced by another atom or group.

What is a common type of elimination reaction?

A common elimination reaction is the dehydration of alcohols to form alkenes.

Describe oxidation in the context of organic chemistry.

Oxidation in organic chemistry often involves increasing the number of bonds to oxygen or loss of hydrogen atoms.

What is reduction in organic chemistry?

Reduction usually involves an increase in hydrogen content or a decrease in oxygen content.

Name a test for alkenes involving a reaction.

The bromine water test, where bromine water decolorizes in the presence of alkenes, indicating unsaturation.

What role do catalysts play in organic reactions?

Catalysts speed up reactions without being consumed, often lowering the activation energy needed.

Explain polymerization.

Polymerization is a chemical process in which monomers are bonded together to form polymers.

What is hydrogenation?

Hydrogenation is the addition of hydrogen to unsaturated organic compounds, often used to saturate alkenes and alkynes.

What is an electrophile?

An electrophile is a chemical species that accepts electrons, often involved in addition reactions.

Describe the role of a nucleophile.

A nucleophile donates electrons, often attacking electrophilic centers in reactions.

Give an example of a radical reaction.

A classic example is the halogenation of alkanes, where radicals are formed and propagate the reaction.

What type of reaction forms an ester?

An esterification reaction forms an ester, typically from an acid and an alcohol.

What defines a condensation reaction?

A condensation reaction involves two molecules combining with the loss of a small molecule, like water.

What is the significance of reaction mechanisms?

Reaction mechanisms detail the step-by-step process of a reaction, helping to understand how chemical transformations occur.