Essential Organic Chemistry: Hydrocarbons and Polymers Explained

Hydrocarbons and Chemical Formulas

Alkanes: A homologous series of hydrocarbons (compounds containing only carbon and hydrogen) in which all carbons are joined by single covalent bonds.

Alkenes: A homologous series of hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond.

Understanding Chemical Formulas

• Structural Isomers: Molecules with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements.
• Isomers: Compounds sharing the same molecular formula but possessing different structural formulas.
• Empirical Formula: The simplest whole-number ratio of atoms in a compound.
• Molecular Formula: The total number of each type of atom present in a molecule.
• Structural Formula: A representation showing how atoms in a molecule are joined together.
• Displayed Formula: A representation showing all bonds in a molecule as individual lines.

Combustion and Crude Oil

Combustion: The process of burning, which involves a chemical reaction with oxygen.

Crude Oil: A mixture of hydrocarbons that must be separated into fractions before it can be utilized.

Fractional Distillation Products

• Refinery Gases: A mixture of methane, ethane, propane, and butane, which can be separated into individual gases.
• Gasoline (Petrol): A mixture of hydrocarbons with similar boiling points, used as fuel.
• Kerosene: Used as fuel for jet aircraft.
• Diesel: Used as fuel for buses, lorries, some cars, and railway engines.
• Fuel Oil: Used as fuel for ships and industrial heating.
• Bitumen: A thick, black material melted and mixed with rock to surface roads.

Polymerization Processes

Poly(propene)

Polymerization of Propene: An alkene process involving three carbon atoms in each molecule. Uses: Manufacturing ropes and crates.

Poly(chloroethene)

Polymerization of Chloroethene: A molecule where one hydrogen atom in ethene is replaced by chlorine. Uses: Strong material used for water pipes and window frames.

Poly(tetrafluoroethene)

Polymerization of Tetrafluoroethene: Derived from ethene where all four hydrogen atoms are replaced by fluorine. Uses: Non-stick coatings for cookware, highly unreactive due to strong carbon-fluorine bonds.