C1 - Products From Oil Flashcards
What reaction takes place in cracking?
Thermal decomposition
How are smaller hydrocarbons made and why?
Large hydrocarbons are broken down by mixing them with steam and heating or passing the vapours over a hot catalyst. This is done because smaller hydrocarbons are more useful.
What is the formula for alkenes?
CnH2n
What is an alkene?
An unsaturated hydrocarbon
What bonds do alkenes have that alkanes don’t?
Double bonds
What test is used to distinguish an alkene from an alkane?
If bromine water turns colourless, the compound is an alkene.
What is a monomer?
Small molecules that are a product of crude oil.
What is a polymer?
A molecule made up of many monomers,
What is polymerisation?
The joining of monomers. The double bonds are broken and form bonds with other monomers to form polymers.
What are smart polymers?
Materials that can change their properties according to light, heat, etc.
Give three examples of how smart polymers can be used in medicine.
- Easy-peel plasters
- Hydrogel
- Shape memory
What are the problems with disposing of plastics?
- Piles of unsightly rubbish
- Damage wildlife
- Take up landfill space
What is a biodegradable plastic?
The plastic can be decomposed by microbes.
How can polymers be made biodegradable?
Starch can be used in production.
Give an example of a biodegradable plastic.
PLA ( Poly(lactic acid))