Organic Chemistry Flashcards
What is the empirical formula?
simplest whole number ratio of atoms of different elements in a compound
What is crude oil?
a mixture of compounds
What is a hydrocarbon?
a compound made up exclusively of hydrogen and carbon atoms
What are alkanes?
saturated hydrocarbons
general formula: CnH2n+2
What is a homologous series?
series of compounds with the same general formula, same functional groups and similar chemical properties
What is cracking?
when large hydrocarbons are thermally broken down into smaller and useful molecules
What type of reaction is cracking?
thermal decomposition
What is an alkene?
unsaturated hydrocarbons
contains at least one C=C bond
general formula: CnH2n
What is the test for alkenes?
add bromine water: colour change from orange to colourless
Describe the combustion of alkenes
they burn with smoky flames due to incomplete combustion
What is a polymer?
a long chain molecule which is made by lots of smaller molecules joining together
What are isomers?
compounds of the same molecular formula but different structural formula
