Tuesday 17 March 2015

Polyamides

The amide bond can sometimes be found in polymers, such as nylon.

Did you know that nylon gets its name from the two cities where it was jointly invented?








Thursday 12 March 2015

Acyl Chlorides

These are wonderful compounds to make as precursors for other organic compounds. We had two challenges today:


  1. Explore the preparation and reactions of acyl chlorides. Why are acyl chlorides such useful organic compounds?
  2. Esters can be made from acyl chlorides. They can also be made from carboxylic acids. We have to compare and contrast these two methods. Which one is better?

Tuesday 10 March 2015

Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic Acids are very useful precursor chemicals, as well as being useful chemicals themselves (e.g. ethanoic acid is a good preservative - vinegar).



Tuesday 3 March 2015

Haloalkanes


We do not need to know much more about haloalkanes than what we learned last year. We do need to know how to convert haloalkanes into alkenes, however: