2.5 Organic Chemistry

Question 1

What do all organic compounds contain ?

Answer 1

All organic compounds contain the element carbon

Question 2

How many covalent bonds can carbon form ?

Answer 2

Carbon can form 4 covalent bonds

Question 3

Carbon can form a vast range of different compounds since a carbon atom can …

Answer 3

• Form 4 covalent bonds
• Form single, double or triple bonds with other carbons
• Bond with other elements e.g. hydrogen, oxygen and bromine

Question 4

What is a homologous series ?

Answer 4

A homologous series is a family of organic molecules that :
- Have the same general formula
- Show similar chemical properties
- Show a gradation in their physical properties
- Differ by a CH² group

Question 5

What is the general formula for Alkanes ?

Answer 5

CnH2n+2

Question 6

What is the general formula of Alkenes ?

Answer 6

CnH2n

Question 7

What is the functional group of Alkenes ?

Answer 7

C=C

Question 8

What is a hydrocarbon?

Answer 8

A hydrocarbon is a compound/molecule that consists of hydrogen and Carbon only

Question 9

What reaction do most organic compounds undergo ?

Answer 9

Most organic compounds will undergo combustion reactions

Question 10

What is a combustion reaction ?

Answer 10

A combustion reaction is one in which a fuel reacts with oxygen forming oxides and releasing heat

Question 11

What is complete combustion?

Answer 11

Complete combustion is when an organic compound burns in a plentiful supply of oxygen forming carbon dioxide and water

Question 12

What is the test for Carbon dioxide ?

Answer 12

The test for Carbon dioxide is using limewater which will change from colourless to milk if carbon dioxide is bubbled through it

Question 13

What is the test for water ?

Answer 13

Test for water is using anhydrous copper (II) sulfate which will change from white to blue when water is added to it

Question 14

What is incomplete combustion?

Answer 14

Incomplete combustion is when an organic compound reacts with a limited supply of oxygen forming water and carbon (soot) and/or carbon monoxide

Question 15

Why is carbon monoxide toxic ?

Answer 15

Carbon monoxide is toxic as it combines with hemoglobin in the blood and reduces the body’s capacity to carry oxygen

Question 16

What is crude oil ?

Answer 16

• Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons.
• As a mixture it’s useless but crude oil is separated into useful simpler mixtures of hydrocarbons by fractional distillation
• It is a finite resource meaning it will eventually run out