Nature's Chemistry: Hydrocarbons Flashcards
What is a Hydrocarbon?
A hydrocarbon is a substance which contains only carbon and hydrogen.
What is a homologous series?
A homologous series is a family of compounds that have the same general formula and similar chemical properties.
Name 3 homologous series’ which are made up of hydrocarbons.
Some homologous series’ which are made up of hydrocarbons include alkanes, alkenes, and cycloalkanes.
Why do subsequent members of a homologous series show a general increase in melting and boiling points?
subsequent members of homologous series’ show a general increase in melting and boiling points because of an increase in intermolecular forces.
What is meant by a saturated compound?
A saturated compound is one which contains no Carbon to Carbon (C=C) double bonds.
What is meant by an unsaturated compound?
An unsaturated compound contains at least one Carbon to Carbon (C=C) double bond.
What test is performed to determine whether a hydrocarbon is saturated or unsaturated?
A bromine solution test is used to test the saturation of a hydrocarbon. If the bromine solution is decolourised, an unsaturated compound is present.
What type of hydrocarbons can take part in addition reactions?
Hydrocarbons which include a Carbon to Carbon (C=C) double bond can take part in addition reactions, e.g. Alkenes.
When an alkene undergoes an addition reaction with hydrogen, what substance is formed?
Bonus: what is the name of this type of reaction?
The product formed from an addition reaction of an alkene with hydrogen would be an alkane, as the double bonds break, and the two hydrogens form a bond where the extra bonds are missing.
Bonus: Hydrogenation.
When an alkene undergoes an addition reaction with water, what type of substance is formed?
Bonus: what is the name of this type of reaction?
The product formed from an addition reaction of an alkene with water would be an alcohol, as the double bond breaks, and the (OH) and the (H) take the place of the missing bonds.
Bonus: Hydration.
When an alkene undergoes an addition reaction with a halogen, what type of substance is formed?
The product formed from an addition reaction of an alkene with a halogen would be a dihaloalkane, as the double bond breaks, and, since all halogens are diatomic, they can fill in both the bonds which are missing.
Describe the solubility of alkanes, alkenes and cycloalkanes.
Alkanes (including alkanes, and cycloalkanes), and alkenes, are both insoluble in water.
What is the general formula of the alkanes?
CₙH₂ₙ₊₂
What is the general formula for alkenes?
CₙH₂ₙ
What is the general formula of cycloalkanes?
CₙH₂ₙ
What does the term ‘Isomer’ mean?
Isomers are substances that have the same molecular formula but different structural formula.
