organic chem

C6.2

What are alkanes?

A group of saturated hydrocarbons that only have single carbon-carbon bonds.

What is the general formula for alkanes?

CnH2n+2.

Why are alkanes considered unreactive?

They mainly undergo combustion reactions and are unreactive due to their saturated nature.

What is combustion?

A chemical reaction where hydrocarbons react with oxygen to produce water and carbon dioxide.

What is methane?

The simplest alkane, which is the major component of natural gas.

What distinguishes alkenes from alkanes?

Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain at least one double carbon bond (C=C).

What is the general formula for alkenes?

CnH2n.

What type of reaction do alkenes primarily undergo?

Addition reactions, where atoms of a simple molecule add across the C=C double bond.

What is hydrogenation in the context of alkenes?

An addition reaction where hydrogen is added across the double bond to form an alkane.

What happens in the bromine water test?

Alkenes will decolorize bromine water while alkanes will not because alkenes react with bromine due to the presence of a double bond.

Define addition polymers.

Large molecules made by linking many smaller molecules (monomers) containing double bonds.

What is a glycosidic linkage?

The bond formed between monosaccharides during the polymerization of carbohydrates.

What is the characteristic functional group of alcohols?

The hydroxyl (-OH) group.

How do alcohols behave when combusted?

They combust to form carbon dioxide and water.

What defines carboxylic acids?

They are a homologous series with the general formula CnH2n+1COOH.

What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons?

Saturated hydrocarbons contain only single bonds, while unsaturated hydrocarbons contain at least one double bond.

What is the process of fractional distillation?

A method used to separate mixtures of hydrocarbons based on their different boiling points.

What is cracking?

A process that breaks down long-chain hydrocarbons into smaller, more useful molecules.

What is the overall reaction of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell?

2H2 (g) + O2 (g) → 2H2O (l).

What are the advantages of hydrogen fuel cells?

They produce no pollution, are more energy-efficient, and have fewer environmental disposal issues compared to batteries.

List a disadvantage of fuel cells.

Materials used to produce fuel cells are expensive.