Organic Chemistry and Petroleum

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to organic chemistry and petroleum.

Fossil Fuel

Dead animals and plants that are buried underground and subjected to high pressure for millions of years.

Hydrocarbon

Any compound which only contains carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms.

Fractional Distillation

A process for separating a mixture of hydrocarbons based on their different boiling points.

Alkane

A saturated hydrocarbon with the formula CnH2n+2.

Alkene

An unsaturated hydrocarbon that contains at least one carbon-to-carbon double bond.

Homologous Series

A group of organic compounds that have similar chemical properties due to having the same functional group and general formula.

Complete Combustion

Burning in the presence of excess oxygen, producing carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O).

Incomplete Combustion

Burning in insufficient oxygen, producing carbon monoxide (CO) and water (H₂O).

Polymerization

The process of creating a polymer from smaller molecules called monomers.

Condensation Polymerization

A process where monomers join together and release a smaller molecule, often water.

Fermentation

The process of converting sugars into alcohol and carbon dioxide using yeast, typically under anaerobic conditions.

Halogenation

A reaction where an alkene reacts with a halogen to form a dihalogenoalkane.

Hydration

A reaction where an alkene reacts with water to form an alcohol.

Catalyst

A substance that increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process.

Ethanol

A type of alcohol used as a renewable fuel alternative to petroleum.

Biodegradable

Substances that can be broken down naturally by microorganisms.

Synthetic Polymer

Man-made polymers created through chemical processes.

Reversible Reaction

A chemical reaction where the products can react to give the original reactants.

Substitution Reaction

A reaction where an atom or group of atoms in a molecule is replaced by another atom or group of atoms.

Bitumen

A thick, sticky form of petroleum, used for road surfaces and roofing.

Diesel

A type of fuel derived from crude oil, used in diesel engines.

Carbon Dioxide

A colorless gas produced during combustion and fermentation.

Yield

The amount of product obtained in a chemical reaction.