T3 Alkanes and Crude Oil

Question 1

What is the definition of a hydrocarbon?

Answer 1

A compound made up of ONLY hydrogen and carbon atoms

Question 2

Define a homologous series

Answer 2

A group of organic compounds with the:
1. same general formula
2. members differ from the next by a CH2 group
If in the same series, will have:
3. trend in physical properties
4. similar chemical properties

Question 3

Define what is an isomer?

Answer 3

Compounds with the same molecular formula but** different displayed structural formulae**

Question 4

What is a functional group?

Question 5

Describe the inductrial process of cracking?

Crude oil is separated into fractiosn by fractional distillation

Answer 5

1. Crude oil is (pre)heated and vapourised.
2. The vapour is passed into a fractionating column, which is cooler at the top and hotter at the bottom. The vapours rise up the column.
3. The fractions condense at different heights.
4. The crude oil is split into various fractions which have different boiling point ranges.