Predict Stability Using Molecular Modeling of Alkenes
Molecular models are a great tool for representing and manipulating the structures and reactions of molecules, and those properties that are dependent on these three dimensional structures. Molecular modelling includes hands-on modeling with physical molecular modeling kits, theoretical, and computational models to mimic the behavior of molecules (Leach, 2009). Molecular modelling is used to study the structure, dynamics, surface properties, and thermodynamics of inorganic, biological, and polymeric systems (Aminpour et al, 2019).
For example, the sis and trans isomerization in cyclic alkenes can be discovered using the results of molecular modeling (Barrows, 2004).
This week you have learned a lot about unimolecular and bimolecular elimination reactions and the stability of alkenes.
Instructions:
Use your molecular modeling kit and build these three alkenes.
Three Alkenes
Credit: Smith, Organic Chemistry
Rank the alkenes shown in the ball-and-stick models (A—C) in order of increasing stability.
Take a photo of the models and upload to this assignment.
What is the major E2 elimination product formed from each alkyl halide? Draw the products by hand.
Image of E2 elimination product formed from each alkyl halide
Credit: Smith, Organic Chemistry
Build the model of each E2 elimination product.
Take a photo and upload into this assignment.
References:
Leach AR (2009). Molecular modelling : principles and applications. Pearson Prentice Hall.
Aminpour, M., Montemagno, C., & Tuszynski, J. A. (2019). An Overview of Molecular Modeling for Drug Discovery with Specific Illustrative Examples of Applications. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(9), 1693.
Barrows, S. E., & Eberlein, T. H. (2004). Cis and trans isomerization in cyclic alkenes: A topic for discovery using the results of molecular modeling. Journal of chemical education, 81(10), 1529.
