Topic: Alkanes & Crude Oil

Alkanes & Crude Oil quiz

1. If a substance has a simple molecular structure, what physical state might it be at room temperature?

Question 1 of 22

2. Explain the term isomerism

Question 2 of 22

3. Recall the products of the complete combustion of alkanes

Question 3 of 22

4. What is a substance called if it, when burned, releases heat energy?

Question 4 of 22

5. Why is carbon dioxide, CO₂ harmful to the environment?

Question 5 of 22

6. Which fraction of crude oil is the most viscous?

Question 6 of 22

7. Explain the term saturated

Question 7 of 22

8. Why is the boiling point of a larger molecule higher than that of a smaller molecule?

Question 8 of 22

9. A student has been asked to draw all the alkene isomers of C₄H₈ and draws the following. Which of the following statements about the student's diagram is correct?

Question 9 of 22

10. Explain the term hydrocarbon

Question 10 of 22

11. Describe how nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide contribute to acid rain

Question 11 of 22

12. What do each of the following state symbols represent: (s), (l), (g), (aq)

Question 12 of 22

13. What is the molecular formula for methane?

Question 13 of 22

14. Recall the names of the main fractions obtained from crude oil, in order of lowest boiling point first

Question 14 of 22

15. State the general formula of alkanes

Question 15 of 22

16. Explain why carbon monoxide is dangerous to humans

Question 16 of 22

17. Explain how crude oil is separated into fractions

Question 17 of 22

18. A pupil has tried to write down various ways of representing ethane using: molecular formula, displayed formula, general formula, empirical formula and stuctural formula. However she has missed one out. Which one?

Question 18 of 22

19. Name this molecule

Question 19 of 22

20. What is crude oil?

Question 20 of 22

21. In car engines, sparks cause the formation of some gases which contribute to acid rain. What are these gases?

Question 21 of 22

22. How does sulfur dioxide form in car engines?

Question 22 of 22


 

2020-02-16T16:34:17+00:00Categories: Uncategorized|Tags: , |

Tricks for remembering the names of organic molecules

A good way to remember the names of organic molecules is to make up a silly mnemonic where the first letter of each word matches the first letter of the organic molecules. For example the first 10 alkanes in order are , Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane, Pentane, Hexane, Heptane, Octane, Nonane and Decane. These can be memorised with “Many elephants prefer blue pinapples. However hungry orangutans never do.” This isn’t a very good mnemonic, but it is the one I made up for myself when I was at school, and you are best making up your own. The sillier, smellier and more colourful the better.

1:25 write word equations and balanced chemical equations (including state symbols): for reactions studied in this specification and for unfamiliar reactions where suitable information is provided

Example:

Sodium (Na) reacts with water (H2O) to produce a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H2).

Word equation:

     sodium + water –> sodium hydroxide + hydrogen

Writing the chemical equation

A chemical equation represents what happens in terms of atoms in a chemical reaction.

Step 1: To write a chemical equation we need to know the chemical formulae of the substances.

     Na + H2O –> NaOH + H2

Step 2: The next step is to balance the equation: write a large number before each compound so the number of atoms of each element on the left hand side (reactants) matches the number on the right (products). This large number is the amount of each compound or element.

During this balancing stage the actual formulas for each compound must not be changed. Only the number of each compound changes.

     2Na + 2H2O –> 2NaOH + H2

If asked for an equation, the chemical equation must be given.

 

State symbols are used to show what physical state the reactants and products are in.

State symbolsPhysical state
(s)Solid
(l)Liquid
(g)Gas
(aq)Aqueous solution (dissolved in water)

Example:

A solid piece of sodium (Na) reacts with water (H2O) to produce a solution of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H2).

     2Na(s) + 2H2O(l) –> 2NaOH(aq) + H2(g)

1:47 explain why substances with a simple molecular structures are gases or liquids, or solids with low melting and boiling points. The term intermolecular forces of attraction can be used to represent all forces between molecules

 

Carbon dioxide (CO2) has a simple molecular structure. This just means that it is made up of molecules.

Within each molecule are atoms bonded to each other covalently. These covalent bonds inside the molecules are strong.

However, between the molecules are weak forces of attraction that require little energy to break. These forces are not covalent bonds. This is why simple molecular substances such as carbon dioxide have a low boiling point.

So when carbon dioxide changes from a solid to a gas, for example, that process can be represented as:

CO₂ (s) → CO₂ (g)

Notice that even though there has been a dramatic change of state from solid to gas, the substance before and after the change is always made up of carbon dioxide molecules. During the change of the state the covalent bonds within each molecule remain unbroken. Instead it is the weak forces of attraction between the molecules which have been overcome.

 

1:48 explain why the melting and boiling points of substances with simple molecular structures increase, in general, with increasing relative molecular mass

Larger molecules tend to have higher boiling points.

This is because larger molecules (molecules with more mass) have more forces of attraction between them. These forces, although weak, must be overcome if the substance is to boil, and larger molecules have more attractions which must be overcome.

2:13 know that carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas and that increasing amounts in the atmosphere may contribute to climate change

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a greenhouse gas.

It absorbs infra-red radiation and therefore warms the atmosphere. This leads to global warming.

This may cause climate change.

4:02a understand how to represent organic molecules using molecular formulae, general formulae, structural formulae and displayed formulae

The molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

The general formula shows the relationship between the number of atoms of one element to another within a molecule. Members of a homologous series share the same general formula. The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2 and the general formula for alkenes is CnH2n.

A structural formula shows how the atoms in a molecule are joined together.

The displayed formula is a full structural formula which shows all the bonds in a molecule as individual lines.

 

The terms above are demonstrated with the example of butane.

Image result for butane

  • Displayed formula:
  • Molecular formula: C₄H₁₀
  • General formula (alkanes): CnH2n+2
  • Structural formula: CH₃ – CH₂ – CH₂ – CH₃

 

The terms above are demonstrated with the example of ethene, which contains a double bond.

Image result for ethene

  • Displayed formula:
  • Molecular formula: C₂H₄
  • General formula (alkenes): CnH2n
  • Structural formula: CH₂ = CH₂

4:02 understand how to represent organic molecules using empirical formulae, molecular formulae, general formulae, structural formulae and displayed formulae

The molecular formula shows the actual number of atoms of each element in a molecule.

The empirical formula shows the simplest whole number ratio of atoms present in a compound. So the molecular formula is a multiple of the empirical formula.

The general formula shows the relationship between the number of atoms of one element to another within a molecule. Members of a homologous series share the same general formula. The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2 and the general formula for alkenes is CnH2n.

A structural formula shows how the atoms in a molecule are joined together.

The displayed formula is a full structural formula which shows all the bonds in a molecule as individual lines.

 

The terms above are demonstrated with the example of butane.

Image result for butane

  • Displayed formula:
  • Molecular formula: C₄H₁₀
  • Empirical formula: C₂H₅
  • General formula (alkanes): CnH2n+2
  • Structural formula: CH₃ – CH₂ – CH₂ – CH₃

 

The terms above are demonstrated with the example of ethene, which contains a double bond.

Image result for ethene

  • Displayed formula:
  • Molecular formula: C₂H₄
  • Empirical formula: CH₂
  • General formula (alkenes): CnH2n
  • Structural formula: CH₂ = CH₂

4:04 understand how to name compounds relevant to this specification using the rules of International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature. Students will be expected to name compounds containing up to six carbon atoms

The names of organic molecules are based on the number of carbon atoms in the longest chain. This chain is the longest consecutive line of carbon atoms, even if this line bends. 

The name is based on the number of carbon atoms in the longest chain
1 Meth-
2 Eth-
3 Prop-
4 But-
5 Pent-
6 Hex-
7 Hept-
8 Oct-
9 Non-
10 Dec-

Hydrocarbons are molecules which contain only hydrogen and carbon.

 

Naming straight-chain alkanes

The simplest hydrocarbons are alkanes. They contain only single bonds, and have “-ane” in the name.

For example, the displayed formula of ethane (C₂H₆) is:

The name “ethane” contains “eth-” because there are 2 carbon atoms in the longest chain, and the name contains “-ane” because the molecule only has single bonds so is an alkane.

 

Another example is pentane (C₅H₁₂) which has the displayed formula:

The name “pentane” contains “pent-” because there are 5 carbon atoms in the longest chain, and the name contains “-ane” because the molecule only has single bonds, so is an alkane.

 

Remember, it does not matter if the longest consecutive line of carbons bends around. For example the displayed formula below still shows a very normal molecule of pentane (5 carbons in a row). Pentane is not normally drawn with the longest chain of carbons bent around because it could be confusing.

 

You might also see the bonds drawn at angles. Don’t worry, the displayed formula below is still pentane, as can be seen by the fact there are 5 carbon atoms in the longest chain, surrounded by hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atoms by single bonds.

Image result for displayed formula pentane

 

A shorter way to express the detailed structure of an organic molecule is the structural formula. The structural formula for pentane is CH₃-CH₂-CH₂-CH₂-CH₃, which tells us the same information about the molecule as does the displayed formula, without the hassle of having to draw all the bonds or all the hydrogen atoms.

 

Naming straight-chain alkenes

Another simple group of hydrocarbons is the alkenes. They contain a carbon-to-carbon double bond, which also means they have two fewer hydrogen atoms than their corresponding alkane. An alkene has “-ene” in its name.

For example, the displayed formula for ethene (C₂H₄) is:

ethene has 2 carbon atoms and 4 hydrogen atoms

 

and the displayed formula of propene (C₃H₆) is:

propene has 3 carbon atoms and 6 hydrogen atoms

 

With longer alkene molecules the double bond might appear in different locations of the carbon chain, so the name needs to be a little bit more complicated to be able to describe these differences clearly. A number is added in the middle of the name to indicate at which carbon the double bond starts.

So the displayed formula of pent-1-ene is:

 

and this is the displayed formula of pent-2-ene:

 

However, take care that when counting which carbon has the double bond. The numbers start from the end that produces the smallest numbers in the name. For example, this is the displayed formula for pent-1-ene again, but just drawn the other way round. It is still pent-1-ene (you can’t get pent-4-ene):

 

Naming straight-chain alcohols

We get the same pattern all over again with the group of organic molecules called alcohols, which are recognised by an -OH functional group. For example here is the displayed formula for ethanol, which has 2 carbon atoms in the longest chain:

Image result for displayed formula ethanol

 

and here is the displayed formula for butanol:

Image result for displayed formula butanol

 

Summary of naming simple straight-chain organic molecules

The following table summarises the naming of some of the straight-chain alkanes, alkenes and alcohols, giving a name and a molecular formula for each:

Carbons in longest chainAlkanesAlkenesAlcohols
1methane, CH₄-methanol, CH₄O
2ethane, C₂H₆ethene, C₂H₄ethanol, C₂H₆O
3propane, C₃H₈propene, C₃H₆propanol, C₃H₈O
4butane, C₄H₁₀butene, C₄H₈butanol, C₄H₁₀O

 

Naming branched alkanes and alkenes

The naming conventions for organic molecules cover more than the straight chain molecules. Branched molecules are named depending on the number of carbon atoms in the branch. A branch with 1 carbon is called “methyl” and a branch with 2 carbons is called “ethyl”. This is similar to the conventions covered above, plus the “-yl-” bit just says it is a branch.

For example, this is the displayed formula for 2-methyl hexane:

In the name 2-methyl hexane, the number 2 indicates that when counting along the longest carbon chain the methyl branch comes off the second carbon atom. The “methyl” bit of the name says there is one branch of 1 carbon. The “hex” bit of the name says the longest consecutive chain of carbon atoms is 6. The “ane” bit says the molecule has only single bonds.

 

When counting along the carbon atoms of the longest chain to work out the name, the numbering of carbon atoms starts from the end nearest to the branch. Another way to put this is that the name is given such that the numbers in the name are as low as possible. For example, here is the displayed formula for 4-ethyl octane:

 

Another example, this time with 2 methyl branches coming off the second and third carbons of the chain, is 2,3-dimethyl hexane. The “di” in the name indicates there are two methyl groups. This is the same way in which “di” indicates there are two oxygen atoms in carbon dioxide.

 

Another example of how the naming convention works for branches is 2,2-dimethyl hexane:

 

 

This naming of branches also applies to alkenes. Here is the displayed formula of 4-methylpent-1-ene:

4:05 understand how to write the possible structural and displayed formulae of an organic molecule given its molecular formula

The molecular formula describes the actual number of each type of each atom in a molecule.

For example, a molecular formula of C₆H₁₂ tells us that in each molecule there are 6 carbon atoms and 12 hydrogen atoms.

However, the molecular formula tells us nothing about how those atoms are arranged. For example, it does not tell us if there any branches of carbon atoms coming off the main carbon-carbon chain, nor how long or how many there might be.

On the other hand, the structural formula and displayed formula of a molecule tell us clearly how the atoms are arranged in that molecule.

This means that if we are given a molecular formula only, there may be several possible structural and displayed formulae all of which could apply for that molecule.

When trying to work out possible structural or displayed formulae from a molecular formula there are several clues:

  • If the molecular formula only has carbon and hydrogen in it, then of course the structural formula will only have atoms of these 2 elements.
  • If the molecular formula has twice as many carbons as hydrogens (CnH2n) then the molecule is an alkene and has a double bond somewhere between 2 of the carbon atoms.
  • If the molecular formula has two more than twice as many carbons as hydrogens (CnH2n+2) then the molecule is an alkane and only has single bonds.
  • If the molecular formula has two more than twice as many carbons as hydrogens and also has an oxygen atom (CnH2n+2O), then the molecule is an alcohol, and somewhere in the displayed formula will be a carbon single-bonded to an oxygen which itself is then single-bonded to a hydrogen.

4:08 describe how the industrial process of fractional distillation separates crude oil into fractions

  • Crude oil is separated by fractional distillation.
  • Crude oil is heated and the oil evaporates.
  • The gas goes into the fractional distillation tower. As the gas rises the temperature falls.
  • Fractions with higher boiling points condense and are collected nearer the bottom of the tower.

 

Fractional distillation – videos

This video does not quite use the right language for the various fractions as appropriate to the Edexcel iGCSE, but it is nevertheless a good description of the process. Make sure you use the notes on tutorMyself.com to get the exact language you will need for your exam.

And another somewhat older video showing the industrial process of fractional distillation:

4:09 know the names and uses of the main fractions obtained from crude oil: refinery gases, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, fuel oil and bitumen

Crude oil is separated into fractions by the process of fractional distillation.

FractionUse
Refinery gasesBottled gas
GasolineFuel for cars
KeroseneFuel for aeroplanes
Diesel OilFuel for lorries
Fuel OilFuel for ships
BitumenRoad Surfacing

4:10 know the trend in colour, boiling point and viscosity of the main fractions

The boiling point increases as the number of carbon atoms (chain length) increases.

The viscosity increases as the number of carbon atoms (chain length) increases.

The greater the number of carbon atoms (chain length), the darker in colour that fraction is.

The viscosity of a fluid describes how easily it flows. Water has a low viscosity, it flows very easily. Crude oil has a higher viscosity than water, it does not flow very easily.

Fractions (in order)Properties
Refinery gasesSmallest molecules. Lowest boiling point. Lowest viscosity. Lightest in colour.
Gasoline
Kerosene
Diesel
Fuel oil
BitumenLargest molecules. Highest boiling point. Highest viscosity. Darkest in colour.

4:12 know the possible products of complete and incomplete combustion of hydrocarbons with oxygen in the air

Complete Combustion happens when there is enough oxygen available, producing carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O)

 

Incomplete Combustion happens when there is not enough oxygen available, with possible products being carbon monoxide (CO), carbon (C, soot), carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O)

4:13 understand why carbon monoxide is poisonous, in terms of its effect on the capacity of blood to transport oxygen references to haemoglobin are not required

Carbon monoxide may be produced from the incomplete combustion of fuels:

Carbon monoxide is poisonous because it reduces the capacity of the blood to carry oxygen.

4:14 know that, in car engines, the temperature reached is high enough to allow nitrogen and oxygen from air to react, forming oxides of nitrogen

When fuels are burned in vehicle engines, high temperatures are reached.

At these high temperatures nitrogen and oxygen from the air react to produce nitrogen oxides:

          nitrogen          +          oxygen        →          nitrogen oxides

eg

          N2 (g)              +          O2 (g)          →          2NO (g)

In the atmosphere these nitrogen oxides can combine with water to produce nitric acid (HNO3).

4:15 explain how the combustion of some impurities in hydrocarbon fuels results in the formation of sulfur dioxide

Fossil fuels such as coal, gas and oil are derived from crude oil.

These fuels are hydrocarbons, but also include impurities such as sulfur.

When the fuels are burned, sulfur dioxide is produced which can escape into the atmosphere:

S (s)         +         O₂ (g)         →         SO₂ (g)

 

4:16 understand how sulfur dioxide and oxides of nitrogen oxides contribute to acid rain

Acids formed in the atmosphere can fall as acid rain. This can be a major problem, killing trees and fish in lakes. The acid rain also corrodes limestone buildings and marble statues since these are both made of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). Some metals such as iron are also attacked by acid rain.

 

Sulfur dioxide released into the atmosphere from the burning of fossil fuels can react with water and oxygen to make sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄):

2SO₂ (g)         +         2H₂O (l)         +         O₂ (g)         →         2H₂SO₄ (aq)

 

Also, if sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere reacts with just water, a weaker acid called sulfurous acid (H₂SO₃) is formed:

SO₂ (g)         +         H₂O (l)         →         H₂SO₃ (aq)

 

In car engines the temperature is high enough for the nitrogen in the air to react with oxygen to produce oxides of nitrogen, e.g:

N₂ (g)         +         O₂ (g)         →         NO₂ (g)

In the atmosphere these nitrogen oxides can produce nitric acid (HNO₃).

4:20 explain why alkanes are classified as saturated hydrocarbons

 

Saturated:   A molecule containing only single bonds between carbon atoms. For example, alkanes as described as saturated molecules.

Unsaturated:   A molecule containing a carbon-carbon double or triple bond. For example, alkenes as described as unsaturated molecules.

 

4:21 understand how to draw the structural and displayed formulae for alkanes with up to five carbon atoms in the molecule, and to name the unbranched-chain isomers

The displayed formulae show all the atoms and bonds drawn out.

The molecular formulae just show the number of each type of atom in the molecule.

Select a set of flashcards to study:

     Terminology

     Skills and equipment

     Remove Flashcards

Section 1: Principles of chemistry

      a) States of matter

      b) Atoms

      c) Atomic structure

     d) Relative formula masses and molar volumes of gases

     e) Chemical formulae and chemical equations

     f) Ionic compounds

     g) Covalent substances

     h) Metallic crystals

     i) Electrolysis

 Section 2: Chemistry of the elements

     a) The Periodic Table

     b) Group 1 elements: lithium, sodium and potassium

     c) Group 7 elements: chlorine, bromine and iodine

     d) Oxygen and oxides

     e) Hydrogen and water

     f) Reactivity series

     g) Tests for ions and gases

Section 3: Organic chemistry

     a) Introduction

     b) Alkanes

     c) Alkenes

     d) Ethanol

Section 4: Physical chemistry

     a) Acids, alkalis and salts

     b) Energetics

     c) Rates of reaction

     d) Equilibria

Section 5: Chemistry in industry

     a) Extraction and uses of metals

     b) Crude oil

     c) Synthetic polymers

     d) The industrial manufacture of chemicals

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