Alkenes

Structure and Isomerism of AlkenesSign up

know the general formula of alkenes and understand that alkenes and cycloalkenes are hydrocarbons which are unsaturated (have a carbon-carbon double bond which consists of a sigma bond and a pi bond) · be able to explain geometric isomerism in terms of restricted rotation around a C=C double bond and the nature of the substituents on the carbon atoms · understand the E-Z naming system for geometric isomers and why it is necessary to use this when the cis- and trans- naming system breaks down

Reactions and Mechanisms of AlkenesSign up

be able to describe the reactions of alkenes, limited to: (i) the addition of hydrogen, using a nickel catalyst, to form an alkane; (ii) the addition of halogens to produce a di-substituted halogenoalkane; (iii) the addition of hydrogen halides to produce mono-substituted halogenoalkanes; (iv) the addition of steam, in the presence of an acid catalyst, to produce alcohols; (v) oxidation of the double bond by acidified potassium manganate(VII) to produce a diol · know the qualitative test for a C=C double bond using bromine or bromine water · be able to describe the mechanism (including diagrams), giving evidence where possible, of: (i) the electrophilic addition of bromine and hydrogen bromide to ethene; (ii) the electrophilic addition of hydrogen bromide to propene. Use of the curly arrow notation is expected — the curly arrows should start from either a bond or from a lone pair of electrons. Knowledge of the relative stability of primary, secondary and tertiary carbocation intermediates is expected.

Addition PolymerisationSign up

be able to describe the addition polymerisation of alkenes and draw the repeat unit given the monomer, and vice versa · understand how chemists limit the problems caused by polymer disposal by: (i) developing biodegradable polymers; (ii) removing toxic waste gases produced by the incineration of polymers