C7 - Organic Chemistry Flashcards
(21 cards)
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What is a hydrocarbon?
A compound made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms only.
What is crude oil?
A mixture of hydrocarbons, mainly alkanes, formed from ancient biomass.
What are alkanes?
Saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds only.
What is the general formula for alkanes?
CnH2n+2
Name the first four alkanes.
Methane, ethane, propane, butane.
What is meant by ‘saturated’ in organic chemistry?
Only single bonds between carbon atoms.
What is fractional distillation used for?
To separate crude oil into fractions with similar boiling points.
How does fractional distillation work?
Crude oil is heated and components are separated based on boiling points.
What are fractions from crude oil used for?
Fuels like petrol, diesel, kerosene, and feedstock for petrochemicals.
What is complete combustion of a hydrocarbon?
Hydrocarbon + Oxygen → Carbon dioxide + Water
What is produced in incomplete combustion?
Carbon monoxide, carbon (soot), and water.
Why is carbon monoxide dangerous?
It is a toxic gas that prevents oxygen from binding to red blood cells.
What is cracking?
Breaking down large hydrocarbons into smaller, more useful ones.
Why is cracking important?
To produce smaller alkanes and alkenes, which are in higher demand.
What are alkenes?
Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one double bond.
What is the test for alkenes?
Add bromine water – it turns colourless if an alkene is present.
What are the two types of cracking?
Thermal cracking and catalytic cracking.
What is an example of a useful product from cracking?
Ethene, which is used to make plastics.
Are alkenes more or less reactive than alkanes?
More reactive due to the double bond.
What is a polymer?
A long-chain molecule made from many small molecules (monomers) joined together.
