Basic Concepts and Hydrocarbons

Question 0

What is a homologous series?

Answer 0

A series of organic compounds with the same functional group but with each successive member differing by CH2

They have similar chemical properties and contain the same functional group

Question 1

What is a functional group?

Answer 1

The part of the organic molecule responsible for its chemical reactions

Question 2

What are alkanes?

Answer 2

A homologous series with the general formula CnH2n+2

Question 3

Hydrocarbons?

Answer 3

Organic compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen only

Question 4

What is a saturated hydrocarbon?

Answer 4

A hydrocarbon with single bonds only

Question 5

What is an unsaturated hydrocarbon?

Answer 5

A hydrocarbon containing carbon-carbon multiple bonds

Question 6

What is an aliphatic hydrocarbon?

Answer 6

A hydrocarbon with carbon atoms joined together in straight or branched chains

Question 7

What is an alicyclic hydrocarbon?

Answer 7

A hydrocarbon with the carbon atoms joined together in a ring structure

Question 8

What is nomenclature?

Answer 8

A system of naming compounds

Question 9

What is an alkyl group?

Answer 9

An alkane with a hydrogen removed, often represented as ‘R’

Question 10

What is the empirical formula?

Answer 10

The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element present in a compound

Question 11

What is a structural isomer?

Answer 11

Compounds with the same molecular formula but with different structural formula

Question 12

What is a stereoisomer?

Answer 12

Stereoisomers are compounds with the same structural formula, but with different arrangement in space

Question 13

What is E/Z isomerism?

Answer 13

A type of stereoisomerism, in terms of restriction around a C=C bond, and two different functional groups attached to each carbon atom of the C=C group

Question 14

What is cis-trans isomerism?

Answer 14

A special case of E/Z isomerism in which the two substituent groups are the same

Question 15

Explain in terms of intermolecular forces, how fractional distillation works

Answer 15

The hydrocarbons have different boiling points

The larger the molecules, the stronger the van der Waals forces

Question 16

Explain why many industrial manufacturing processes use catalysts

Answer 16

Enable reactions to occur with less waste

Enable reactions to happen with less toxic solvents/reactants

Reactions can happen at room temperature

Saves energy (costs)

Reduce carbon dioxide emissions

Enable reactions to occur with more specificity (correct isomer)

Question 17

Suggest advantages and disadvantages of using more biofuels

Answer 17

Carbon neutral

Fossil fuels are finite resources

Allows fossil fuels to be used as a feedstock for organic compounds

Less food crops may be grown

Deforestation

Reduces fertility of soils