Organic Chemistry and Crude Oil

Flashcards covering key concepts related to organic chemistry, crude oil, alkanes, alkenes, and their properties.

Crude Oil

A mixture of hydrocarbons trapped in sedimentary rocks, formed from the remains of marine plants and animals.

Hydrocarbon

A compound containing only carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms.

Fractional Distillation

A method to separate crude oil into fractions based on different boiling points.

Homologous Series

A family of compounds that share the same general formula and functional group, with gradual changes in physical properties.

Alkanes

Saturated hydrocarbons with only single C–C bonds and general formula CnH2n+2.

Alkenes

Unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one C=C double bond with general formula CnH2n.

Complete Combustion

A reaction involving plentiful oxygen producing carbon dioxide and water, resulting in a clean flame.

Incomplete Combustion

A reaction with insufficient oxygen producing carbon monoxide and/or carbon (soot) plus water.

Carbon Monoxide

A poisonous gas produced from incomplete combustion that binds to haemoglobin.

Bromine Water Test

A test to distinguish between alkanes and alkenes; alkenes decolourise bromine water.

Addition Reactions

Reactions where alkenes react with substances like H2 or Br2 across the C=C double bond.

Substitution Reactions

Reactions where alkanes react with halogens in the presence of UV light, replacing a hydrogen atom.

Saturated Hydrocarbons

Compounds with single C–C bonds such as alkanes, which cannot undergo additional reactions.

Unsaturated Hydrocarbons

Compounds with double or triple bonds such as alkenes, which can undergo addition reactions.

Hydrocarbon Chain Length

Refers to the number of carbon atoms in a molecule, affecting physical properties like boiling point.

Functional Group

A specific group of atoms in a molecule responsible for its characteristic reactions, such as -OH in alcohols.

IUPAC Nomenclature

A systematic way of naming organic compounds based on their structure and functional groups.

Ethanol

An alcohol compound used in alcoholic beverages, as a fuel, and in sanitizers.

Methanol

An alcohol used as an industrial solvent and a feedstock for chemicals.

Polymerization

The process where small monomer molecules join to form a large polymer chain.

Cracking

A method of breaking down long-chain hydrocarbons into shorter, more useful molecules.