topic 7 - organic chemistry Flashcards
(138 cards)
What is crude oil?
Crude oil is a finite resource found in rocks consisting mainly of the remains of ancient biomass primarily plankton that was buried in mud. It is a mixture of a very large number of compounds.
What defines a mixture?
A mixture is composed of 2 or more elements that are not chemically combined. The chemical properties of each substance in the mixture remain unchanged.
How can substances in a mixture be separated?
Substances in a mixture can be separated by physical methods such as distillation.
What are hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbons are compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon only. They are often found in crude oil and can be saturated or unsaturated.
What is the general formula for hydrocarbons?
The general formula for hydrocarbons is C n H 2n+2.
What are alkanes?
Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons that have single bonds between carbon atoms. They are characterized by the general formula C n H 2n+2.
List the first four alkanes and their corresponding formulae.
The first four alkanes are: 1. Methane (CH4) 2. Ethane (C2H6) 3. Propane (C3H8) 4. Butane (C4H10) - Mnemonic: MEPB (Monkeys Eat Peanut Butter).
What is fractional distillation?
Fractional distillation is a physical separation method used to separate mixtures based on differences in boiling points of the components.
What is the significance of fractional distillation in relation to crude oil?
Fractional distillation is used to separate the different fractions of crude oil allowing the extraction of various hydrocarbons for fuels and feedstock.
What is the composition of most compounds found in crude oil?
Most compounds found in crude oil are hydrocarbons which consist solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms.
What are the properties of the compounds in crude oil?
The chemical properties of each compound in crude oil remain unchanged as they are part of a mixture.
What are the characteristics of saturated hydrocarbons?
Saturated hydrocarbons like alkanes have only single bonds between carbon atoms and the maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached.
What is the formula for the first alkane methane?
The formula for methane the first alkane is CH4.
How are hydrocarbons important in chemistry?
Hydrocarbons are fundamental in organic chemistry and serve as fuels and raw materials for chemical synthesis.
Explain the process of how crude oil is formed.
Crude oil is formed from the remains of ancient marine organisms primarily plankton that were buried under layers of mud and subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years.
What is the process of separating hydrocarbons in crude oil called?
The process is called fractional distillation which occurs in a fractionating column where heated crude oil is separated into different fractions based on boiling points.
How does the fractionating column operate continuously?
Heated crude oil is piped in at the bottom of the fractionating column. Vaporized oil rises up the column and different fractions condense at various levels corresponding to their boiling points.
What are fractions in terms of crude oil?
Fractions are groups of hydrocarbons in crude oil that have similar numbers of carbon atoms and are separated during the refining process.
What types of fuels can be produced from crude oil?
Common fuels produced from crude oil include petrol (gasoline) diesel oil kerosene heavy fuel oil and liquefied petroleum gases.
What are some products of the petrochemical industry?
The petrochemical industry produces a variety of materials including solvents lubricants polymers and detergents.
What is the significance of petrochemicals in modern life?
Petrochemicals are crucial as they provide essential fuels and raw materials for numerous products that support modern lifestyles such as energy sources and everyday materials.
What role do boiling points play in the fractionating column process?
Boiling points determine the temperature at which different hydrocarbons condense; lighter fractions with lower boiling points rise higher in the column while heavier fractions condense lower down.
Why is fractional distillation essential in the petrochemical industry?
Fractional distillation is essential because it allows for the separation of different hydrocarbons in crude oil enabling the production of specific fuels and raw materials required for various industrial applications.
What kind of hydrocarbons are found in crude oil?
Crude oil contains a complex mixture of hydrocarbons including alkanes cycloalkanes aromatics and various other organic compounds.