2.2a Introduction You should be able to:
i understand the concept of homologous series
ii apply the rules for IUPAC nomenclature for
compounds relevant to this specification
iii recognise and predict the existence of structural
isomerism within the types of compounds found in this topic
iv recognise the existence of geometric (cis-trans)
isomerism resulting from restricted rotation about a carbon-carbon double
bond
v be able to classify reactions as free
radical, electrophilic addition, nucleophilic
substitution, elimination, hydrolysis, reduction, oxidation
or polymerisation.
· details of mechanism
are not required at AS.)
( understanding of the terms
electrophile, nucleophile and free radical is expected.)
2.2b Reactions of organic compounds
You should be able to recall, in terms of reagents and
general reaction conditions, the reactions of:
i alkanes with oxygen (air), chlorine and bromine
ii alkenes (with unsymmetrical alkenes)
with hydrogen, halogens, hydrogen halides and potassium manganate(VII).
The use of bromine solution as a test for alkenes (paper 3B)
iii halogeno-compounds with potassium hydroxide
(to produce alcohols or alkenes) potassium cyanide and ammonia; identification
of the halide group by alkaline hydrolysis, subsequent acidification and
testing with aqueous silver nitrate (paper 3B only)
iv primary, secondary and tertiary alcohols with
acidified potassium dichromate(VI), dehydrating agents (eg concentrated
sulphuric acid) and halogenating agents (phosphorus pentachloride, sodium
bromide and concentrated sulphuric acid, phosphorus and iodine); the use
of phosphorus pentachloride as a test for the -OH group (paper 3B only)
· knowledge of the
elimination of water between two molecules of alcohol to produce ethers
will not be expected)
2.2c Bonding and reactivity You should be able to:
use the concepts of single and double covalent bonds,
bond polarity and bond enthalpy as factors influencing relative reactivity
in appropriate reactions of alkanes, alkenes, halogenoalkanes and alcohols.
2.2d Quantitative chemistry related to this topic
You should be able to calculate:
i empirical and molecular formulae
ii theoretical yield and percentage yield in reactions
from reacting mass data (paper 3B only)
· to include calculations
in which one reagent is in excess.)
2.2e Applied organic chemistry
You should be able to discuss:
i the advantages and disadvantages of liquid and
gaseous fuels
· limited to hydrogen,
ethanol, methane, butane and octane)
· including calculations
on energy per unit mass per unit volume)
· including environmental
factors)
ii the structures and properties of the polymers
of simple alkenes and their uses
· limited to poly(ethene),
poly(propene), poly(chloroethene), poly(tetrafluoroethene)
· including representative
structural formulae, making clear the repeating unit)
iii recall that halogens are used in the manufacture
of herbicides and polymers; understand that the strength of the C-X bond
gives a useful life to many of these compounds, but may lead to problems of
disposal and persistence in the food chain.