Introduction to Organics Flashcards
What is an hydrocarbon?
A compound made from hydrogen and carbon only
What is the general formula?
An algebraic formula that can describe any member of a family of compounds
What is the empirical formula?
The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound(Simplify the numbers)
What is the molecular formula?
The actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule
What is the displayed fromula?
Shows how all the atoms are arranged and all the bonds between them
What is the structural formula?
Shows the arrangement of atoms carbon by carbon, with the attached hydrogens and functional groups
What is an homologous series
A group of compounds that can all be represented by the same general formula
What is an functional group?
A group of atoms that determine how a compound typically reacts
What is an isomer?
Have the sae molecular formula but the atoms are arranged differently(look different)
What are the stems of the first 6 carbons?
Meth, eth, prop, but, pent, hex
How does substitution work and which hydrocarbon is it applied to?
A halogen will react with an alkane to make haloalkanes. The halogen is substituted into the alkane.
What is needed for substitution to take place?
UV light
How does addition work and which hydrocarbon is it applied to?
Halogens can react with alkenes to make haloalkanes. The double bond is split and the halogen is added to each of the spare bonds
What is crude oil?
A mixture of hydrocarbons
How do we make crude oil usefull?
We use fractional distillation to separate the substances into different fractions by using there different boiling points
Name the 6 fractions and their uses from top to bottom?
Refinery gases - Domestic heating
Gasoline - Fuel in cars
Kerosene - fuel in aircraft
Diesel - Fuel in larger vehicles
Fuel oil - Ship fuel
Bitumen - Surface roads
What are the trends in the fractionating column with viscosity, boiling point and colour
As you go down the viscosity increases
As you go down the boiling point increases
As you go down the colour gets darker
What is the equation for the complete combustion of an hydrocarbon?
Hydrocarbon + oxygen –> carbon dioxide + water
What is the equation for the incomplete combustion of a hydrocarbon?
Hydrocarbon + (little oxygen) –> carbon + carbon monoxide + water
Why is carbon monoxide poisonous?
It combines with red blood cells and stops the blood from carrying oxygen around the body.
What are the conditions for cracking an hydrocarbon?
600-700 degrees and silica or alumina as a catalyst
Why is cracking usefull?
The demand for shorter chain hydrocarbons is higher the for longer chain hydrocarbons
What is the general formula for alkanes?
CnH2n+2
Why are alkanes classified as satrrated hydrocarbons?
Only forms single bonds
Why are alkenes classified as unsaturated hydrocarbons?
Because the form double bonds
What is the general formula for alkenes?
CnH2n
How can bromine water be used to distinguish between an alkane and an alkene?
An alkane will stay orange in bromine water but an alkene will turn the solution colourless
How is an addition polymer formed?
When many monomers join together
What is the problem with addition polymers?
They air inert and can’t biodegrade
They produce toxic gases when burnt
