Developing Fuels - Organic Chemistry Flashcards
(42 cards)
What are aliphatic molecules?
molecules based on chains of carbon atoms
Define a structural isomer
An isomer with the same molecular formula but different structural formula
Define a catalyst
A substance that increases rate of reaction by providing an alternate reaction pathway with a lower activation enthalpy and isn’t used up during the reaction
Define heterogeneous catalysis
When the reactants and catalyst are in different physical states
Define homogeneous catalysis
When the reactants and catalyst are in the same physical state
What is the first stage of heterogeneous catalysis?
the reactants are adsorbed onto the surface of the catalyst
Define adsorption
When a substance sticks to the surface of another substance
Describe the process of heterogeneous catalysis
- Reactants adsorb onto the catalyst
- Intermediates form as reactant bonds are broken
- Product bonds form
- Deadsorption of product from catalyst
What is an electrophile?
A molecule that can accept a pair of electrons to form a covalent bond
Describe the difference between a π bond and a σ bond?
A σ bond is the original, stronger covalent bond formed directly between the 2 nuclei.
A π bond overlaps a σ bond, with one electron above and one below. These are weaker as the electrons are further from the nucleus
What does a lowercase delta (𝛿) represent?
a smalle charge, usually on a dipole
What do curly arrows represent in a mechanism?
2e- moving
What are the conditions needed for industrial hydrogenation?
Ni catalyst
150 degrees
What are the conditions needed for lab hydrogenation?
room temp + pressure
Pt catalyst
What are the conditions for industrial hydration of ethene?
phosphoric acid - catalyst
high temp and pressure
What is the molar volume of a gas at rtp?
24dm3
Describe the conditions of rtp
298K or 25 degrees celcius
1 atmosphere
What is the ideal gas law?
pV = nRT
or
pressure x volume = moles x gas constant x temp
note that temp must be in Kelvin
When is the ideal gas law used?
When the conditions aren’t rtp
Define a polymer
a large molecule based on a repeating unit (monomer)
What are the 2 types of polymer?
amorphous and crystaline
What is an amorphous polymer?
A low density polymer where the chains are not structured and intertwine
What is a crystaline polymer?
A high density polymer where the chains are ordered in rows and are more tightly packed together

