Chemistry - Organic Chemistry

Homologous Series: A family of organic compounds with the same functional group and general formula. Each member differs by a $CH_2$ unit (e.g., Alkanes, Alkenes, Alcohols).

Hydrocarbons: Compounds containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms. Alkanes ($C_nH_{2n+2}$) are saturated (single bonds only), while Alkenes ($C_nH_{2n}$) are unsaturated (contain at least one $C=C$ double bond).

Fractional Distillation: The process of separating crude oil into useful fractions (like petrol, diesel, and bitumen) based on their boiling points.

Cracking: A thermal decomposition reaction where long-chain alkanes are broken down into smaller, more useful molecules like shorter alkanes and alkenes (e.g., $C_{10}H_{22} \rightarrow C_8H_{18} + C_2H_4$).

Functional Groups: Specific atoms or groups of atoms that determine the chemical properties of a molecule, such as the hydroxyl group ($-OH$) in alcohols and the carboxyl group ($-COOH$) in carboxylic acids.

Addition Reactions: Characteristic of alkenes where the $C=C$ double bond breaks to bond with other atoms, such as in Bromination ($+ Br_2$) or Hydration ($+ H_2O$).

Polymerization: Addition polymerization involves monomers with $C=C$ bonds joining to form long chains (e.g., Ethene becoming Poly(ethene)). Condensation polymerization involves monomers with two functional groups reacting to form a polymer and a small molecule like $H_2O$ (e.g., Nylon or Terylene).