Introduction to Organic Chemistry Flashcards
What is a hydrocarbon?
A compound made up of hydrogen and carbon only
What is an empirical formula?
An empirical formula tells you the simplest whole number ratio of the atoms in a compound
What is a molecular formula?
A molecular formula counts the actual number of each type of atom present in a molecule
What is a structural formula ?
A structural number shows how the atoms in a molecule are joined together
What is a displayed formula?
A displayed formula shows all the bonds in the molecule as individual lines. Each line represents a covalent bond.
What is the homologous series?
the different families of organic compounds
What are alkanes?
Alkanes are a homologous series of similar hydrocarbons in which all the carbons are joined to each other with single covalent bonds.
What is the name ending of compounds that are alkanes?
‘ane’
What are alkenes
Alkenes are a homologous series of similar hydrocarbons which contain a carbon-carbon double bond.
What is the name ending of compounds that are alkenes?
‘ene’
What is crude oil?
Crude oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons.
What is cracking?
Cracking is a process in which long-chain alkanes are converted to alkenes and shorter-chain alkanes,
Why is cracking useful?
- There are far too many long-chain hydrocarbons, which are not in such high demand and are not as profitable to sell
- there are not enough shorter-chain hydrocarbons that can be used as fuel for cars
