Hydrocarbons

    Cards (12)

    • Hydrocarbons only contain hydrogen and carbon atoms
    • alkanes are the simplest hydrocarbons
    • general formula for alkanes
      CnH2n+2
    • alkanes are a homologous series
      this is a group of organic compounds that react in a similar way
    • alkanes are also saturated compounds
      This means each carbon atom forms four single covalent bonds
    • hydrocarbon properties change as the chain gets longer
    • shorter hydrocarbons are:
      1. more runny
      2. less viscous (gloopy)
      3. more volatile (lower boiling point)
      4. more flammable
    • complete combustion occurs when there is plenty of oxygen
    • hydrocarbon + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water (+energy)
    • hydrocarbons are used as fuels due to the amount of energy real eased when they combust completely
    • during complete combustion, both hydrogen and oxygen from the hydrocarbon are oxidised
    • oxidation
      the gain of oxygen
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