alkanes Flashcards
what does organic mean?
compounds that are based on carbon, with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen
what is a homologous series?
a group of chemicals/compounds with the same general formula, a pattern of physical properties, and similar chemical properties
what are hydrocarbons?
compounds consisting of only hydrogen and carbon
what are alkanes?
hydrocarbons with only single bonds
describe the naming system
root: based on the number of C atoms
suffix: homologous series
prefix: additional atoms
what is the structural formula of ethane?
(CH3)2
what is the structural formula of propane?
CH3CH2CH3
what is the structural formula of butane?
CH3CH2CH2CH3
OR
CH3(CH2)2CH3
What are the physical properties of alkanes (same as covalent discrete)?
Since they are covalent discrete:
- low melting point
- insulator
- soluble in oils, insoluble in water
describe the mpt/bpt of alkanes
mpt/bpt: from small molecules –> large molecules, INCREASES due to more IMFs
describe the viscosity of alkanes
viscosity: from small molecules –> large molecules, INCREASES due to more IMFs and larger molecules intertwine, like noodles
describe the volatility of alkanes
volatility: from small molecules –> large molecules, DECREASES due to increasing bpt
describe the colour of alkanes
colour: small molecules –> large molecules, COLOURLES-YELLOW-BLACK
what is viscosity?
resistance to liquid flow
what is volatility?
ease of turning into a gas
are alkanes generally unreactive or reactive and why?
generally unreactive, due to containing strong single bonds