Introduction to Hydrocarbons

Vocabulary flashcards for key terms related to hydrocarbons and organic chemistry.

Hydrocarbons

Carbon-containing organic compounds that provide a source of energy and raw materials.

Organic Compounds (early 19th century definition)

Carbon compounds produced by living things.

Organic Compound (modern definition)

All carbon-containing compounds, except carbon oxides, carbides, and carbonates.

Hydrocarbons

Compounds consisting of only carbon and hydrogen.

Saturated Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons with only single bonds between carbon atoms.

Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons with at least one double or triple bond between carbon atoms.

Petroleum (Crude Oil)

A complex mixture of hydrocarbons obtained from the earth.

Fractional Distillation

The process of boiling petroleum and collecting components as they condense at different temperatures.

Cracking

The process of converting heavier hydrocarbon fractions into lighter ones, such as gasoline, in the absence of oxygen and presence of a catalyst.