Organic Chemistry

• What is the area of chemistry focused on compounds containing carbon called?

  Organic chemistry
• Why is carbon a useful element for making large compounds in chemistry?

  Each carbon atom forms four strong covalent bonds
• What two elements do hydrocarbons contain?

  Carbon and hydrogen
• What defines a compound as a hydrocarbon?

  It is formed from carbon and hydrogen only
• Is butanol a hydrocarbon?

  No, it contains oxygen
• What is the smallest alkane in the homologous series?

  Methane
• How many hydrogen atoms are bonded to the carbon atom in methane?

  Four
• What is the chemical formula for propane?

  $C_3H_8$
• What is the chemical formula for butane?

  $C_4H_{10}$
• How do alkanes in a homologous series grow?

  By one carbon and two hydrogens
• What does it mean for organic compounds to be in a homologous series?

  They have similar properties
• What can you say about the reactions of compounds in a homologous series?

  They react in a similar way
• What is the general formula for alkanes?

  $C_nH_{2n+2}$
• Using the general formula, what is the molecular formula of an alkane with three carbon atoms?

  $C_3H_8$
• Octane has eight carbon atoms, what is its molecular formula?

  $C_8H_{18}$
• What does it mean for alkanes to be saturated compounds?

  Every carbon atom has four single covalent bonds
• What type of covalent bonds do alkanes contain?

  Single covalent bonds
• If propane has a double bond, how would it be classified?

  Alkene
• List the first four alkanes in the series.

  • Methane
  • Ethane
  • Propane
  • Butane
• What type of bonds are present in alkane hydrocarbons?

  Strong single covalent bonds
• What elements do alkanes contain?

  Carbon and hydrogen
• What are alkanes part of?

  Homologous series of hydrocarbons
• What happens to the boiling point of alkanes as the carbon chain length increases?

  Boiling point increases
• Why do shorter alkanes exist as gases at room temperature?

  They have low boiling points
• What physical state do alkanes with more than four carbons typically exist in at room temperature?

  Liquids
• What physical state do alkanes with really long chains exist in?

  Solid
• What does it mean for an alkane to be volatile?

  It evaporates easily
• How does the volatility of alkanes change with increasing chain length?

  Volatility decreases
• What does it mean for an alkane to be viscous?

  It is thick and sticky
• How does the viscosity of alkanes change with increasing chain length?

  Viscosity increases
• How does the flammability of alkanes change with increasing chain length?

  Flammability decreases
• What does it mean for an alkane to be flammable?

  It is easier to ignite or burn
• Why are hydrocarbons like alkanes used as fuel?

  They release energy when burned
• What products are formed during complete combustion of hydrocarbons?

  Carbon dioxide and water
• What condition is required for complete combustion to occur?

  Enough oxygen available
• Is complete combustion an exothermic or endothermic reaction?

  Exothermic
• During combustion, what process happens to the hydrogen and carbon in the hydrocarbon?

  They are oxidised
• What is the formula for propane?

  $C_3H_8$
• What do the properties of alkanes depend on?

  Their carbon chain
• Why are the shortest hydrocarbons great fuels?

  They are most volatile and flammable