Topic 6: Definitions Flashcards
Define a hydrocarbon
A compound that only contains carbon and hydrogen atoms
Define Saturated
a compound only containing single bonds
Define Unsaturated
A compound containing one or more multiple bonds (double triple)
Displayed formula
Shows:
-Every atom and every bond
Skeletal formula
shows the bonds between carbon atoms
molecular formula
shows the actual numbers of each atom in the molecule
Empirical formula
the simplest whole-number ratio of the formula
Structural isomers
Compounds with the same molecular formula but with different structural formulae
Stereoisomers
Compounds with the same structural formula but different atoms or groups arranged differently in 3D
Geometric isomers
Compounds containing a C=C bond with atoms or groups attached at different positions (E, Z)
Restricted rotation
C=C is fixed so there can be no rotations
Fractional distillation
The process used to separate a liquid mixture into fractions by boiling and condensing
Cracking
Breakdown of molecules into shorter ones by heating them with a catalyst (Zeolite)
Reforming
Conversion of straight-chain hydrocarbons into branched-chain and cyclic hydrocarbons
Complete Combustion
This means all the atoms in the fuel are fully oxidised
Incomplete combustion
Some of the atoms in the fuel are not fully oxidised
Biofuels
Fuels obtained from living matter that has died recently
Renewable
Energy sources that can be continuously replaced
- Bio diesel
- Bio alcohols
Non-Renewable
Energy sources are not being replenished, except over geological timescales
Radical
A species that contains an unpaired electron
Homolytic Fission
Breaking of a covalent bond where each of the bonding pair of electrons leaves with one species forming a radical
Initiation
Formation of radicals, usually as a result of bond breaking caused by ultraviolet radiation
Propagation
Two steps that when repeated many times convert the starting materials into products
Termination
Formation of a molecule from two radicals
