Week 1

Thanks for checking out the Blog, remember that the blog can be used to post questions as well, it’s often the case that the question you have will be something that almost everyone needs clarification on.
This week we started studying Organic Chemistry- the good stuff.
We started with hydrocarbons, those compounds made up of carbon and hydrogen only.
Hopefully everyone is OK with naming relatively simple alkanes, next week we’ll name alkenes and alkynes as well, and include geometric isomerism and the cis or trans prefix, we’ll also look at some simple cyclic alkenes, in summary:
Remember, look to see what the family is (alkane, alkene, alkyne). Look for the longest chain. (not always the straight part). Find the first substitiuent (for alkanes) and start numbering the chain from that end. When 2 or more substituents are present list them in alphabetical order, if 2 or more of the same substituent are present remember the di, tri, tetra prefix. The naming principle is the same for alkenes and alkynes, except when numbering the longest chain find the end closest to the double or triple bond and start that end as 1. If there is more than one double bond, then add the di, tri, tetra to the ENE.....i.e. 1,3 hexadiene for example. The rules for cis and trans isomers are, if the main chain is all on the same side its CIS, if its on opposite sides of the double bond its TRANS. (remember to put the cis- and trans- prefix in the name). For cycloalkenes, number through the double bond in the direction to give the substituent the lowest number, this can be clockwise or counter clockwise.

Anyway, more of this next week.

The Suggested Questions from the book were: 21.41, 21.42, 21.43, 21.44, 21.45 also 22.17
Here are the links to the acetylene ‘you tubes’ that are in the notes
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUVNf-y349E&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=45y1lSnlrH8
With respect to the Lab Safety and Write up class on Friday. Try and get hold of a lab book, (hard bound if possible), some safety specs and a lab coat (or suitably protective clothing).
Next week will be a lab book only report and I’ll give you a template style to follow before class.
The Pre-lab, must be handed in to me prior to Fridays lab. You should have read the lab before coming and looked up the relevant MSDS hazards for the chemicals you will be using. On Friday we are doing the sulphuric acid, p-xylene experiment.
Lab reports need to be handed in at or before Tuesday’s 12.30 class! Unless you have extenuating circumstances, or are otherwise instructed.

Have a great weekend and see you all next week.