7.1.1 - Crude Oil, Hydrocarbons & Alkanes

What is crude oil?

• A mixture of compounds; a fossil fuel consisting of the remains of ancient biomass.

• Finite resource - cannot be replaced as it is used up.

What is a hydrocarbon?

A compound made up exclusively of hydrogen and carbon atoms.

What are alkanes?

Saturated hydrocarbons of a general formula C_nH_2n+2

What is a homologous series?

Series of compounds with same general formula, same functional groups and similar chemical properties.

Describe the combustion of hydrocarbons.

• Exothermic reaction occurring when hydrocarbons are reacted with oxygen.

• Complete combustion produces carbon dioxide and water (carbon and hydrogen atoms are completely oxidized).

• Incomplete combustion produces carbon monoxide and water.

Describe the physical properties of alkanes.

• First few in series are gases, then change to liquids, then to solids.

• In general, boiling points and viscosity increase as molecules get bigger.

• Volatility and flammability decrease as molecules get bigger.

• Poor reactivity.