Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

This flashcard set covers key concepts related to unsaturated hydrocarbons, their reactions, properties, and health effects.

What is the main characteristic of saturated hydrocarbons?

They have the maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon atom.

What types of compounds are saturated hydrocarbons?

They are alkanes and cycloalkanes with single C–C bonds.

Define unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Unsaturated hydrocarbons have fewer hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon chain than alkanes.

What are the two types of unsaturated hydrocarbons?

Alkenes and alkynes, which contain double and/or triple bonds.

What is the general structure of fatty acids?

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids (RCOOH) with long carbon chains of 12–20 carbon atoms.

What type of bonds do saturated fatty acids have?

Saturated fatty acids have no double bonds in their long hydrocarbon chains.

How do unsaturated fatty acids differ from saturated fatty acids?

Unsaturated fatty acids have one or more double bonds in their long hydrocarbon chains.

What is a cis-trans isomer?

Cis-trans isomers are stereoisomers that arise from restricted rotation around carbon atoms of a double bond.

What happens to the melting point of fatty acids as the number of double bonds increases?

The melting point decreases.

What do fats and oils typically differ in regarding double bonds?

Fats generally have few double bonds and are solids at room temperature; oils have many double bonds and are liquids.

What is hydrogenation in the context of alkenes?

Hydrogenation is the addition of H2 to an alkene, resulting in the formation of an alkane.

Which catalyst is commonly used during hydrogenation?

Palladium (Pd) is typically used as the catalyst.

What type of reaction occurs when water is added to an alkene?

Hydration, which requires a strong acid and produces an alcohol.

What is the product of the hydration of ethylene?

Ethanol.

What is a key feature of margarine compared to butter?

Margarine is made from unsaturated fatty acids and typically has a lower melting point.

What is the health concern with trans fatty acids?

Trans fatty acids can damage the inner lining of blood vessels and are considered unhealthy.

What are alkenes and alkynes classified as?

They are two families of organic molecules containing multiple bonds.

What is the general formula for alkenes?

CnH2n.

What is the general formula for alkynes?

CnH2n–2.

What identifies an alkene?

An alkene is identified by the suffix –ene.

What identifies an alkyne?

An alkyne is identified by the suffix –yne.

What is the process of polymerization?

In polymerization, small repeating units (monomers) join to form a long-chain polymer in an addition reaction.

Give an example of a common synthetic polymer made from ethylene.

Polyethylene.

What is the chemical structure of benzene?

Benzene is a ring of six carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms, usually represented with three double bonds.

What is the common name for methylbenzene?

Toluene.

What are polytetrafluoroethylene and its common use?

Used in nonstick coatings and made from tetrafluoroethene.

What health benefits are associated with vitamins like vitamin E?

Vitamin E serves as an antioxidant preventing oxidation reactions in the body.

How are aromatic compounds named?

They are named with benzene as the parent chain, and substituents are named in front.

What is the IUPAC name of CH2=CH2?

Ethene (or ethylene).

What type of reaction do synthetic polymers typically undergo?

Addition reactions to form larger molecules.

What negative effect do trans fatty acids have on health?

They raise LDL cholesterol levels similar to saturated fats.