Chemistry C7

• A compound formed from carbon and hydrogen atoms only
• Examples contain: methane, ethane, propane, and butane

• As the length changes, the properties change
• The shorter the chain of hydrocarbons, the runnier (less viscous) it is, the more volatile (low boiling point) and the more flammable it is

• Complete combustion occurs when there is plenty of oxygen
• hydrocarbon + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water (+energy)

• Fossil fuels
• Non-renewable

It is used to separate hydrocarbon fractions

• 3 hydrocarbons = LPG (Liquified Petroleum Gas)
• 8 hydrocarbons = Petrol
• 15 hydrocarbons = Kerosene
• 20 hydrocarbons = Diesel oil
• 40 hydrocarbons = Heavy fuel oil - Bitumen

• Fuel for most modern transport
• Feedstock to make new compounds (polymers, solvents, lubricants, and detergents)

• The process of splitting up long-chain hydrocarbons
• The smaller chains are more useful hydrocarbons

• Thermal decomposition - heating them
• Cause long chains to split
• Mixed with steam = steam cracking