Question 1

Which of the following statements best describes a functional group in organic chemistry?

Accepted Answer

A functional group is a specific atom or group of atoms within a molecule that determines the molecule's characteristic chemical reactions.

Question 2

Which reaction type is most characteristic of alkenes?

Accepted Answer

Electrophilic addition

Question 3

What is the main reason alkanes are considered relatively unreactive?

Accepted Answer

They contain only strong sigma bonds ($$\mathrm{C-C}$$ and $$\mathrm{C-H}) $$and lack polar functional groups.

Question 4

Which of the following best explains why alkenes are more reactive than alkanes?

Accepted Answer

Alkenes have a pi bond with loosely held electrons that can react with electrophiles.

Question 5

Which product is formed when ethene ($$\mathrm{CH_2$=CH_2$}) $$reacts with bromine ($$\mathrm{Br_2$}) in an $$electrophilic addition reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_2BrCH_2Br}$$

Question 6

Which of the following functional groups is present in both aspirin and ibuprofen?

Accepted Answer

Carboxylic acid ($$-\mathrm{COOH})$$

Question 7

What is the outcome when a terminal alkyne is treated with sodium amide ($$\mathrm{$$NaNH_2$$}$$)?

Accepted Answer

The terminal hydrogen is removed, forming an acetylide ion.

Question 8

Which catalyst is used to selectively hydrogenate an alkyne to a cis-alkene?

Accepted Answer

Lindlar’s catalyst

Question 9

What is the main product when 2-butyne ($$\mathrm{CH_3C \equiv $$CCH_3$$}) is $$treated with sodium amide ($$\mathrm{$$NaNH_2$$}$$)?

Accepted Answer

No reaction occurs because there is no terminal hydrogen.

Question 10

Which of the following best describes the regioselectivity observed in the addition of HBr to propene ($$\mathrm{CH_3CH=CH_2$}$$)?

Accepted Answer

The hydrogen atom adds to the carbon with more hydrogens, and the bromine adds to the carbon with fewer hydrogens (Markovnikov’s rule).

Question 11

Which reaction is used to convert an alkene to an epoxide?

Accepted Answer

Reaction with a peroxyacid such as mCPBA

Question 12

Which of the following statements about the physical properties of alkanes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Alkanes are hydrophobic and have poor water solubility.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why ethers are commonly used as solvents in organic reactions?

Accepted Answer

Ethers are relatively unreactive and can dissolve a wide range of organic compounds.

Question 14

Which of the following is a key reaction of carboxylic acids?

Accepted Answer

Esterification with alcohols

Question 15

Which of the following best describes the mechanism of halogenation of alkanes?

Accepted Answer

A free radical mechanism initiated by light or heat

Question 16

Which of the following statements about the reduction of alkynes is correct?

Accepted Answer

Alkynes can be reduced to alkanes using two equivalents of hydrogen gas and a metal catalyst.

Question 17

Which of the following functional groups is present in diclofenac but not in aspirin?

Accepted Answer

Amine ($$-\mathrm{NH})$$

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the stereochemistry of epoxidation of alkenes?

Accepted Answer

The stereochemistry of the starting alkene is conserved in the epoxide product.

Question 19

Which of the following is a correct statement about the reactivity of ketones compared to aldehydes?

Accepted Answer

Ketones are less reactive than aldehydes due to electronic and steric effects.

Functional Groups and Reactivity in Organic Molecules: Foundations for Drug Synthesis

Study Guide - Practice Questions