Organic Chemistry Flashcards
What do compounds in a homologous series have in common
Similar chemical properties
Physical properties change gradually as the compounds increase in size
What is the general formula of an alkanes and give an example
CnH2n+2
Butane has four Carbon atoms so has 10 hydrogen atoms
What is the general formula of an alkene and give an example
CnH2n
Methene C2H4
What is the general formula of an alcohol and give a example
CnH2n+1OH
Ethanol - C2H5OH
What is the general formula of a carboxylic acid and give an example
CnH2n+1COOH
Ethanoic acid CH3COOH
Describe the process of making ethanol through fermentation
Glucose ——> ethanol + carbon dioxide
Glucose (generally from sugar cane or sugar beet) is fermented with yeast in ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS to produce ethanol
Why do you have to fractionally distill ethanol produced from fermentation
Because it is a dilute solution so to make it more concentrated you have to evaporate it off and leave the water behind as it has a lower boiling point than water
Why is fermentation to make alcohol a good method
Renewable
What are the negatives of using fermentation to make alcohol
Expensive
Quality isn’t great before fractionally distilling
Name and Describe the other method used to make ethanol other than fermentation
Reacting ethene with stream produces ethanol
It’s a cheap process at the minute
Negatives of alcohol
Increase reaction time
Dehydration to brain cells which can cause tumours
Liver disease
Violent behaviour
Increase irresponsible sexual behaviour
Drink driving
Increased economic costs for NHS, police officers etc
How is vinegar made
Ethanol + oxygen —–> vinegar + water
What is formed when carboxylic acid reacts with a metal
Hydrogen + metal ethanoate
What is produced when carboxylic acid reacts with a base
Metal ethanoate and water
What is a homologous series
A group of compounds with the same general formula