Organic Chemistry Flashcards
What is organic chemistry
the study of compounds with C-H bonds
Why can carbon form many compounds? (3)
- a carbon can form bonds with other carbon atoms to make chains and rings
- a carbon atom can form a single or double bond to other carbons
- a carbon atom can bond with other atoms (eg. hydrogen)
How many bonds can carbon form?
4 covalent bonds
What is a homologous series?
Where all the carbon compounds have the same general formula
How many carbon atoms are in the prefix “meth”?
1
How many carbon atoms are in the prefix “eth”?
2
How many carbon atoms are in the prefix “prop”?
3
How many carbon atoms are in the prefix “but”?
4
What is the suffix for alkanes?
ane
What is the suffix for alkenes?
ene
What is the suffix for alcohols?
anol
What is the suffix for carboxylic acids?
Anoic acid
What are hydrocarbons?
A molecule only consisting of carbon and hydrogen
What is a functional group?
A reactive group in a molecule
Do alkanes have functional groups?
No
What is combustion?
The reaction of fuels with oxygen, forming oxides and releasing thermal energy
What are alkanes?
Saturated hydrocarbons
Under what conditions does complete combustion occur?
What colour is the flame?
if there is a plentiful supply of oxygen in the air.
an orange flame is produced, and more carbon means a more orange flame
Under what conditions does incomplete combustion occur?
What does it form
If there is a limited supply of oxygen
It produces carbon monoxide and water (and possibly soot)
What is formed by the complete combustion of hydrocarbons?
Carbon dioxide and water vapour
How does carbon dioxide affect the environment?
Contributes to green house effect
Leading to:
- rise in sea level
- flooding
- climate change
What is formed by incomplete combustion of fuels
Carbon monoxide, water and sometimes soot
What is the impact of carbon monoxide?
binds to haemoglobin in the blood, reducing its capacity to carry oxygen
(Toxic gas)
How is soot formed?
Incomplete combustion of fuels
What is the impact of soot?
Pollutes the air and causes lung damage and respiratory problems
Give a balanced symbol equation for the combustion of sulphur
S2 + 2O2 —> 2SO2
Give a balanced symbol equation for the reactions which result in acid rain
- S2 + 2O2 —> 2SO2
- SO2 + H2O —> H2SO3
What is the effect of acid rain? (3)
- Damage buildings (especially limestone buildings),
- damage vegetation
- kill fish.
How can you prevent acid rain? (2)
- By removing sulphur impurity from coal
- or passing it through an alkali
What is the general formula for Alkenes
CnH2n
Do Alkenes have a functional group?
Yes, they have a double carbon bond
What is an addition reaction?
Where two molecules react to form one product
What is a polymer?
A long chain molecule made from joining small molecules together
What are monomers?
A small molecule that combines with other monomers to make a polymer
What is addition polymerisation? (2)
- The process of joining monomer molecules together
- to form a long chain molecule
what is a non-biodegradable material?
When a material can’t be decomposed by natural bacteria
What two methods are used to dispose of polymers?
- landfill
- incineration
What is the general formula for alcohols?
CnH2n+1OH