1,3,5,7-octatetraene

Definition

1,3,5,7-octatetraene is a conjugated polyene, a type of organic compound with a continuous sequence of alternating carbon-carbon single and double bonds. This structural feature is important in the context of understanding the stability of conjugated dienes through molecular orbital theory.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The 1,3,5,7-octatetraene molecule has a continuous sequence of four carbon-carbon double bonds, which allows for the delocalization of electrons across the entire structure.
2. This delocalization of electrons contributes to the enhanced stability of 1,3,5,7-octatetraene compared to isolated double bonds, as predicted by molecular orbital theory.
3. The alternating single and double bonds in 1,3,5,7-octatetraene create a conjugated system, which allows for the efficient overlap of p orbitals and the formation of a continuous $\pi$-bond network.
4. The increased stability of 1,3,5,7-octatetraene due to resonance stabilization makes it less reactive compared to isolated alkenes, which is an important consideration in understanding the reactivity of conjugated dienes.
5. The length of the conjugated system in 1,3,5,7-octatetraene, with four double bonds, further contributes to its stability and influences its physical and chemical properties.

Review Questions

• Explain how the structure of 1,3,5,7-octatetraene, as a conjugated polyene, contributes to its stability according to molecular orbital theory.
  • The 1,3,5,7-octatetraene molecule has a continuous sequence of four carbon-carbon double bonds, which allows for the delocalization of $\pi$-electrons across the entire structure. This delocalization of electrons, as described by molecular orbital theory, results in the stabilization of the molecule through the formation of a continuous $\pi$-bond network. The alternating single and double bonds create a conjugated system, enabling the efficient overlap of p orbitals and further contributing to the enhanced stability of 1,3,5,7-octatetraene compared to isolated double bonds.
• Describe the relationship between the length of the conjugated system in 1,3,5,7-octatetraene and its stability.
  • The length of the conjugated system in 1,3,5,7-octatetraene, with four double bonds, is an important factor in determining its stability. According to molecular orbital theory, as the length of the conjugated system increases, the number of $\pi$-bonds and the delocalization of electrons also increase. This greater delocalization of electrons across a longer conjugated system results in enhanced resonance stabilization, making 1,3,5,7-octatetraene more stable compared to conjugated systems with fewer double bonds. The increased stability of the longer conjugated system in 1,3,5,7-octatetraene influences its physical and chemical properties, such as its reactivity and energetic preferences.
• Analyze how the stability of 1,3,5,7-octatetraene, as a conjugated polyene, affects its reactivity and potential applications in organic chemistry.
  • The enhanced stability of 1,3,5,7-octatetraene, due to the delocalization of $\pi$-electrons across its conjugated system, makes it less reactive compared to isolated alkenes. This increased stability, as predicted by molecular orbital theory, means that 1,3,5,7-octatetraene is less likely to undergo certain types of reactions, such as electrophilic addition, which are common for isolated alkenes. The stability of 1,3,5,7-octatetraene can be leveraged in organic synthesis, where its reduced reactivity may be desirable to selectively functionalize other parts of a molecule. Additionally, the conjugated structure and electronic properties of 1,3,5,7-octatetraene make it a potential candidate for applications in organic electronics, photovoltaics, and other areas where the stability and electronic characteristics of conjugated polyenes are important.

Related terms

Conjugated Dienes: Conjugated dienes are organic compounds with two carbon-carbon double bonds separated by a single carbon-carbon single bond, creating a continuous system of alternating double and single bonds.

Molecular Orbital Theory: Molecular orbital theory is a model used to describe the behavior of electrons in molecules, which can be used to understand the stability and reactivity of organic compounds like conjugated dienes.

Resonance Stabilization: Resonance stabilization refers to the increased stability of certain organic compounds due to the delocalization of electrons across multiple bonds, which is a key concept in understanding the stability of conjugated dienes.