When given the name of an alkene, we need to be able to draw them. For this assessment, it is useful to draw them around the C=C double bond, as this is where polymerisation occurs. This video goes through how you draw an alkene from its name.
It has "ene" in the name, so draw a C=C double bond, and four bonds (2 off each carbon atom)
Use the number in the alkene part of name to number the far-left carbon atom
Use the prefix (but-, pent-, hex- etc.) to build the rest of the carbon chain. Number every carbon.
If it says cis, make sure the carbon chain is all on the same side of the C=C bond (above it or below it on the page. If it says trans, make sure the carbon chain goes across the C=C bond, like in the picture and video.
Add any side chains to the appropriate carbon(s) - you had already numbered the carbon atoms so this should be easy :)
Fill in all of the hydrogen atoms to the vacant bonds.
Because the C=C double bond cannot freely rotate in space, alkenes have a special type of isomerism, called geometric isomerism (or cis/trans isomerism).
Alkanes are our first hydrocarbon homologous series to focus on. They cannot be used to make addition polymers because they are saturated, but an understanding of this group is critical foundation organic chemistry.
Organic Chemistry is the study of carbon compounds. Carbon can make four covalent bonds and is the basis of all life on Earth. As such, Organic Chemistry helps us understand biochemistry (the chemistry of living things) and synthesis (making new chemicals). These two end up being linked, as the new chemicals we make often impact on loving things...sometimes very negatively.
What do we need to know for this unit of work?
So, we will have a focus on hydrocarbons and addition polymers. We will be learning about the three types of hydrocarbons, and about the process of addition polymerisation. We will then do a research project on polythene before being given a more modern addition polymer to research for our assessment.
With remote learning taking place, we are pressing "pause" on our previous topic. We will use some of that learning in this research topic, though!
We are going to be learning how Organic Chemistry has been, and continues to be used in our everyday lives, through technology.
We will go through the basics of Organic Chemistry, focusing on Hydrocarbons and Addition Polymers. We will then do some research on a common Addition Polymer, before starting a assessed research project about an addition polymer that has been developed in the last 20 years.
