Hydrocarbons
I can describe alkanes and represent the first four by name, molecular formulae and displayed formulae.
Hydrocarbons
I can describe alkanes and represent the first four by name, molecular formulae and displayed formulae.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Hydrocarbons are simple covalent compounds made of hydrogen and carbon atoms only.
- Hydrocarbons are found in crude oil, and are used as fuels and feedstock.
- Alkanes consist of chains, or rings, of carbon atoms that are each also bonded to hydrogen atoms.
- Alkanes are a homologous series of hydrocarbons, with the same general formula with a trend in properties.
- The general formula for an alkane is CnH2n+2.
Common misconception
Students often think that the prefix hydro- in the term hydrocarbons means they contain water; also that hydrocarbons and crude oil are synonymous.
Use diagrams to show hydrocarbon composition and compare crude oil to pure hydrocarbons, highlighting the difference visually.
Keywords
Hydrocarbon - Simple covalent compounds made of carbon and hydrogen atoms only.
Feedstock - Raw materials used in chemical processes to produce other substances.
Alkane - Saturated hydrocarbons (have only single bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms).
Homologous series - Compounds that have the same general formula, with neighbouring molecules often differing by CH₂, showing similar chemical properties and physical property trends.
Nomenclature - A collection of rules for naming things (in chemistry it refers to the naming of chemical substances).
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Video
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