Question 1

Which of the following statements about SN2 reactions is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

SN2 reactions involve a single, concerted transition state and result in inversion of stereochemistry at the reacting carbon.

Question 2

Which of the following is the best leaving group for an E2 elimination reaction?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Br^-}$$

Question 3

Which of the following pairs of molecules are constitutional isomers?

Accepted Answer

Molecules with the same molecular formula but different connectivity of atoms.

Question 4

Which of the following statements about enantiomers is TRUE?

Accepted Answer

Enantiomers have exactly the same physical properties except for their interaction with plane-polarized light and chiral environments.

Question 5

Which of the following best explains why tert-butyl alcohol has a higher boiling point than ethyl alcohol?

Accepted Answer

Tert-butyl alcohol has more carbons, leading to increased van der Waals forces.

Question 6

Which of the following is a Bronsted-Lowry acid?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{H_2SO_4}$$

Question 7

Which of the following molecules is most likely to undergo a rearrangement during an SN1 reaction?

Accepted Answer

2-bromo-3-methylbutane

Question 8

Which of the following statements about ring strain in cycloalkanes is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Cyclohexane in the chair conformation has minimal ring strain due to ideal bond angles.

Question 9

Which of the following best describes a sigma ($$\sigma) $$bond?

Accepted Answer

A bond formed by the head-on overlap of orbitals between two atoms, and is the first bond formed between them.

Question 10

Which of the following is the strongest acid?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{CH_3COOH}$$

Question 11

Which of the following best explains why $$\mathrm{HF} is a $$weaker acid than $$\mathrm{HCl}$$?

Accepted Answer

The H-F bond is much stronger and harder to break than the H-Cl bond.

Question 12

Which of the following is a Lewis acid but NOT a Bronsted-Lowry acid?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{Fe$$^{3+}$$}$$

Question 13

Which of the following molecules is the most stable (lowest internal energy)?

Accepted Answer

Cyclohexane in the chair conformation

Question 14

Which of the following statements about nucleophilicity is CORRECT?

Accepted Answer

Nucleophilicity increases with increasing negative charge and decreasing steric hindrance.

Question 15

Which of the following best explains why $$\mathrm{SH^-} is a $$better nucleophile than $$\mathrm{OH^-} in $$protic solvents?

Accepted Answer

$$\mathrm{SH^-} is $$larger and less solvated, making it more available to attack electrophiles.

Question 16

Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for the compound with the structure $$\mathrm{(2Z)-5-fluoro-7-ethyldec-2-ene}$$?

Accepted Answer

A ten-carbon chain with a double bond between C2 and C3, a fluoro group at C5, and an ethyl group at C7, with the double bond in the Z configuration.

Question 17

Which of the following is a correct statement about meso compounds?

Accepted Answer

Meso compounds are achiral despite having chiral centers due to an internal plane of symmetry.

Question 18

Which of the following best describes the hybridization and bond angle around the central carbon in formaldehyde ($$\mathrm{CH_2O}$$)?

Accepted Answer

sp$$^2$$ hybridized, 120$$^\circ$$

Question 19

Which of the following best explains why butyl bromide reacts faster than isobutyl bromide in an SN2 reaction?

Accepted Answer

Butyl bromide has less steric hindrance at the reactive carbon.

Organic Chemistry 8A Final Exam Study Guidance

Study Guide - Practice Questions