Organic chemistry Flashcards
What is a hydrocarbon?
A covalently bonded alkane consisting of hydrogen and carbon
What is the hydrocarbon general formula?
CnH2n+2
What is the homologous series?
Alkanes are a homologous series of hydrocarbons
This means
- the molecular formulae of neighbouring members differ by CH2
- that they show a gradual variation in physical properties such as boiling points
- that they have similar chemical properties
What is crude oil?
A mixture of different length hydrocarbons
What are the properties of small length hydrocarbons?
Boiling point: Low Flammability: High Cleanliness of flame: clean Viscosity: thin Number of atoms: low
What are the properties of long hydrocarbons?
Boiling point: High Flammability: Low Cleanliness of flame: low Viscosity: thick Number of atoms: high
What is a feedstock?
A chemical that can be produced in fractional distillation which can be use to make other chemicals such as:
- solvents
- lubricants
- detergents
- polymers
What are the two types of cracking?
Catalytic cracking which uses heat and a catalyst
or
steam cracking where we use heat and steam
What is an alkene?
It is a hydrocarbon with a double carbon=carbon bond.
What is the difference between alkenes and their alkanes?
- Alkenes have at least one double carbon=carbon bond.
- Alkenes are more reactive than their alkane
- Alkenes are unsaturated because they have two less hydrogen atoms than their equivalent alkane
How do we test for alkenes?
We use bromine water (yellow) and add the solution. If it turns colourless then there is an alkene present
Yellow->colourless
What is the general formula for alkenes?
CnH2n
Why do alkenes produce unburnt carbon atoms when combusted?
Because they undergo incomplete combustion
What is the difference between complete and incomplete combustion?
During incomplete combustion, hydrogen is still oxidised to water vapour but:
- carbon may only be partially oxidised to carbon monoxide
- carbon particles will be given out
- less energy is given out
What is the alkene functional group?
The carbon double bond