definitions

• what is a structural formula?


  formula that shows how the atoms are arranged in a molecule and shows what functional groups are present. no bonds are shown execp for double bonds in alkenes
• whats a skeletal formula?


  formula that shows the bonds between carbon atoms but not the carbon atoms themselves
• whats a homologous series?


  a group of molecules with the same functional group but each conservative member differs be one -CH2 group. the boiling point increases.
• whats a functional group?


  a bond or group of atoms that determines the chemical reactivity of an organic molecule.
• whats structural isomerism?


  molecules that share the same molecular formula but have a different structural arrangement
• whats a chain isomer?


  when the carbon chain is arranged differently
• whats a position isomer?


  when the functional group is attached to a different carbon atom
• whats a functional group isomer?


  contains a different functional group
• whats a general formula?

  an algebraic formula that can describe any member of a family of compounds
• whats a displayed formula?


  a formula that shows how all the atoms are arranged and all the bonds between them
• what is fractional distillation?


  process of separating crude oil into groups of hydrocarbons with similar numbers of carbon atoms. this separates hydrocarbons using their different boiling points
• whats cracking?


  the process of converting alkanes because the shorter chained alkanes are more valuable
• whats thermal cracking?


  • cracking using harsh conditions such as higher temperatures and higher pressures
  • it produces a lot of alkenes
  • these alkenes are used to make valuable products like polymers
• whats catalytic cracking?

  • cracking using a zeolite catalyst at a slight pressure and high temperature
  • mostly produces aromatic hydrocarbons and motor fuels
  • using a catalyst cuts costs because the reaction can be done at a lower pressure and lower temperature. the catalyst also speeds up the reaction so it takes less time
• whats a reaction mechanism?


  shows the formation of new bonds in the sequence they are created
• what does a curly arrow represent?


  • the movement of a pair of electrons
  • breaking of a bond
• whats a free radical?


  molecule or an atom with an unpaired electron so they are very reactive. the unpaired electron is shown with a dot.
• what is produced during incomplete combustion?


  • carbon dioxide
  • water
  • pure carbon
  • carbon monoxide
  • hydrocarbons
• Whats a chlorofluorocarbon ?


  halogenoalkene molecules where all of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced with chlorine and fluorine atoms