LC Chemistry - Fuels (Organic Chemistry)

Auto-ignition

Tendency of premature ignition before the spark.

Catalytic Cracking

The breaking down of long-chain hydrocarbon molecules into short-chain molecules for which there is greater demand.

Homologous Series

A series of compounds of uniform chemical type, showing gradations in physical properties, having a general formula for its members, each member having a similar method of preparation, and each member differing from the previous member by a CH₂ unit.

Hydrocarbons

Compounds containing carbon and hydrogen only.

Isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula, but different structural formula.

Octane Number

Measure of the tendency of a fuel to resist knocking.

Structural Isomers

Compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula.

Uses of oxygenates

To prevent knocking in engines, to raise the octane number.

Aliphatic compound

Consists of open chains of carbon atoms and closed chain compounds (rings) that resemble them in chemical properties.

Aromatic compounds

Compounds that contain a benzene ring structure in their molecules.

Fossil fuels

Sources of energy that formed from the remains of living organisms that were buried millions of years ago.

Saturated Compound

A compound that has only single carbon to carbon bonds.

Unsaturated compound

A compound containing a carbon-carbon double or triple bond.