Definition AS

somers that occur due to the branching in the carbon chain.

The smallest whole number ratio of atoms of each element in a compound.

​A type of stereoisomerism that occurs due to the restricted rotation around the carbon double bond. This results in ​two different groups on one end of the bond and two different groups on the other end.​ If the highest priority groups for each carbon are found on the same side of the molecule, then it is the Z-isomer. If the highest priority groups for each carbon are found on opposite sides of the molecule, then it is the E-isomer.

​An uncharged molecule or atom with an unpaired valence electron.

The group of atoms responsible for the characteristic reactions of a particular compound.

​Isomers that contain different functional groups. This means they belong to different homologous series.

A type of empirical formula that represents the composition of any member of an entire class of compounds.

​A series of compounds with the same functional group and similar chemical properties. For example, all alkanes belong to the same homologous series.

Total number of atoms of each element in the compound.

​Isomers where the carbon backbone of the isomers are the same but the important groups are at different positions on the backbone.

​Occurs when two double bonded carbon atoms each have two different atoms or groups attached to them. Includes E/Z isomerism. This is a consequence of a restricted rotation around the C=C double bond.

​Structural isomers are compounds which have the same molecular formula but a different structural formula.

A ​formula which shows the arrangement of atoms in the molecule of a compound but does not show the bond between them.

​A device fitted in a car to reduce the amount of emissions from an internal combustion engine. They use expensive metals like platinum and rhodium as the heterogeneous catalyst. The catalyst is mounted on a ceramic honeycomb to maximise the surface area.

​A process which involves breaking C-C bonds in alkanes to produce shorter chained alkanes and alkenes.

Combustion of alkanes releases energy. During combustion, the carbon and hydrogen in the fuels are oxidised. Alkanes can undergo complete or incomplete combustion. Water and carbon dioxide are the only products of the complete combustion, whereas carbon monoxide and carbon particulates can be produced in incomplete combustion.

​A type of cracking that takes place at a slight pressure, high temperature and in the presence of a zeolite catalyst and is used mainly to produce motor fuels and aromatic hydrocarbons.

A finite resource found in rocks. It is the remains of an ancient biomass consisting mainly of plankton that was buried in mud. Most of the compounds in crude oil are hydrocarbons.

​Compounds made up of carbon and hydrogen atoms only.

​A method of separating a mixture of substances according to their different boiling points. Commonly used to separate crude oil into different fractions.

​Organic compounds are saturated if all the carbon-carbon bonds are single C-C bonds. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons.

A type of cracking that takes place at high pressure and high temperature and produces a high percentage of alkenes.

​Chlorofluorocarbons, also known as CFCs, are chemicals containing carbon, chlorine and fluorine atoms​. CFCs contribute to ozone depletion so they are banned for use in refrigerants and solvents.

Electron pair acceptor in an organic mechanism. Attracted to areas with a lot of electrons/high negative charge.