Q14.144CP - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Cyclopropane (C₃H₆), the smallest cyclic hydrocarbon, is reactive for the same reason white phosphorus is. Use bond properties and valence bond theory to explain its high reactivity.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The smallest cyclic hydrocarbon, cyclopropane, has the following structure:

      Cyclopropane

Cyclopropane is extremely reactive due to the following factors:

1. Strain in a ring

2. Small amount of overlapping

3. Bond is weaker.

Step 1: Strain in a ring

Each carbon atom in the cyclopropane molecule above has a bond angle. Ring strain is caused by the triangular structure of cyclopropane, which has a quite modest bond angle compared to. Cyclopropane will become extremely reactive as a result of this ring strain.

Step 2: Small amount of overlapping

Because the ring is short, the overlapping between orbitals is limited, making Cyclopropane extremely reactive.

Step 3: Bond is weaker

The connections between them become weak and reactive due to a modest degree of overlapping and ring strain.