OCR B Salters: Alkenes, Fuels, and Polymers

Flashcards covering key vocabulary from the OCR B Salters lecture on alkenes, fuels, and polymers.

Stereoisomerism

A type of isomerism where compounds have the same structural formula but a different arrangement of atoms in space.

E/Z Isomerism

A form of stereoisomerism where the configuration of groups attached to a double bond is defined as E (opposite) or Z (together).

Electrophile

An electron pair acceptor that is attracted to areas of high electron density, such as double bonds in alkenes.

Hydration of Alkenes

The process of adding water to an alkene in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce an alcohol.

Addition Polymer

A polymer formed from the addition of monomer units that contain double bonds, such as alkenes.

Complete Combustion

A reaction in which a substance reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Incomplete Combustion

A chemical reaction where there is insufficient oxygen present, resulting in the formation of carbon monoxide and/or soot.

Acid Rain

Rain that is made acidic by the presence of sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides in the atmosphere.

Catalytic Converter

A device installed in exhaust systems of vehicles that reduces harmful emissions by converting them into less harmful substances.

Biofuels

Fuels that are derived from biological material, such as plants, which can be used as an alternative to fossil fuels.