Organic Chemistry Flashcards
(26 cards)
What is crude oil?
A complex mixture of hydrocarbons
What are the main components of crude oil?
Molecules with carbon atoms in chains or rings
What is crude oil an important source of?
Useful substances such as fuels and feedstock for the petrochemical industry
Is crude oil a renewable resource?
No, it is a finite resource
How does fractional distillation separate crude oil?
By heating the oil in a fractionating column where it evaporates and condenses at different temperatures
What does fractional distillation produce?
Fractions containing molecules with a similar number of carbon atoms
How does the fractionating column operate?
Heated crude oil is piped in at the bottom, vaporised oil rises up, and fractions are tapped off at different levels
What are the main fractions obtained from crude oil?
- Refinery gases
- Gasoline / Petrol
- Kerosene
- Diesel
- Fuel oil
- Bitumen
What is the use of refinery gases?
Domestic heating and cooking
What is gasoline / petrol used for?
Fuel for cars
What is kerosene used for?
Fuel for aircraft
What is diesel used for?
Fuel for some cars and trains
What is fuel oil used for?
Fuel for large ships and in some power stations
What is bitumen used for?
Surface roads and roofs
How do properties of hydrocarbons depend on molecule size?
Shorter molecules have lower boiling points and are less viscous
What happens to the color of fractions as molecule size increases?
Colors are darker at the bottom fractions with longer molecules
What is a fuel?
A substance that releases heat energy when burned
What are the products of complete combustion of hydrocarbons?
CO2 and H2O
What are the products of incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons?
- Solid particles of soot
- Unburnt fuel
- Carbon monoxide
Why is carbon monoxide poisonous?
It prevents red blood cells from carrying oxygen around the body
What forms when nitrogen and oxygen react in car engines?
Oxides of nitrogen, e.g., nitrogen monoxide (NO) or nitrogen dioxide (NO2)
How is sulfur dioxide formed during combustion?
Sulfur in fuels is oxidized when the fuels are burned
How do sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen contribute to acid rain?
They react with rainwater to create H+ ions, which can corrode rocks and alter pH in ecosystems
What is the temperature range for catalytic cracking?
600-700˚C
