Alkanes Flashcards
What is an empirical formula?
The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound
What is a molecular formula?
The formula that shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule
What is a general formula?
A generalised formula which enables you to work out the molecular formula of a compound within a homologous series
What is a structural or shorthand formula?
A formula showing the arrangement of atoms in a substance without showing the bonds. E.g. CH₃CH₂CH₃
What is a displayed formula?
A formula showing the arrangement of atoms in a substance and all the bonds E.g.
What is a skeletal formula?
A simplified version of a displayed formula where straight lines represent carbon-carbon bonds e.g.
What is a hydrocarbon?
A compound made of atoms of hydrogen and carbon only
What is an alkane?
A hydrocarbon with only single bonds.
What is chemical nomenclature?
The process of naming different organic compounds
Name a given branched alkane
Assign parent chain, assign branches a number and add as prefixes
What is isomerism?
When molecules have the same atoms but they are arranged differently in space
What is structural isomerism?
Where isomers have the same molecular formula but a different structure
What are the three types of structural isomerism?
Chain, position and functional
What is a saturated hydrocarbon?
A hydrocarbon with only single bonds
What is crude oil?
A mixture of mainly alkanes that can be separated by fractional distillation
What is fractional distillation?
The process of separating the alkanes in crude oil by use of their different melting points
What is cracking?
The process of breaking C-C bonds in alkanes to make shorter molecules