Topic study hub
Alkanes
This topic links saturated hydrocarbons to crude oil, combustion, environmental effects and radical mechanisms.
11
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
90 min
Study time
AqaA LevelChemistryOrganic chemistry
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Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
11 objective pages available
Fractional distillation and cracking4 objectives
- Explain how fractional distillation separates crude oil into fractions.
- Relate fraction properties to chain length and intermolecular forces.
- Explain why cracking is used to make more useful hydrocarbons.
- Write equations for cracking reactions.
Combustion and environmental effects4 objectives
- Write equations for complete combustion of alkanes.
- Explain formation of pollutants in internal combustion engines.
- Explain how catalytic converters reduce pollutants.
- Explain how sulfur dioxide can be removed from flue gases.
Chlorination of alkanes3 objectives
- Explain initiation, propagation and termination steps in free-radical substitution.
- Write equations for methane chlorination steps.
- Explain why ultraviolet light is needed for radical formation.
Key terms
Boiling PointFractional DistillationCrackingCatalystCombustionStoichiometryPollutantsCatalytic ConverterNitrogen Oxides (NOx)SorbentAcid rainFree radical
Exam tips
- Use diagrams to illustrate processes: When explaining fractional distillation, include a labeled diagram of the distillation column.
- Use diagrams to illustrate fractional distillation: Draw a simple diagram of a fractional distillation setup to help visualize the process.
Common mistakes
- Confusing boiling point with melting point: Remember that boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid turns to vapor, while melting point is the temperature at which a solid turns to liquid.
- Confusing boiling point with melting point: Remember that boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid turns to vapor, while melting point is when a solid turns to liquid.
Practice preview
- What is the primary principle behind fractional distillation?
- Describe the process of fractional distillation used to separate crude oil into fractions.
- If a fraction of crude oil has a boiling point range of 150-200 °C, what type of hydrocarbons would you expect to find in this fraction?
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