GCSE Chemistry (AQA)

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Properties of Hydrocarbons

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Organic chemistry Carbon compounds as fuels and feedstock

Properties of Hydrocarbons

3:23 Hydrocarbons
Spec 4.7.1.3
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  • Crude oil fractions are separated by the size of hydrocarbon molecules.
  • Hydrocarbons consist of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogens.
  • Fractional distillation is used to separate hydrocarbons in crude oil into groups called fractions.
  • Each fraction contains hydrocarbon chains of similar length.
  • First fraction: molecules with one or two carbon atoms; last fraction: molecules with eight or more carbons.
  • Properties of hydrocarbons depend on molecule size: boiling point, viscosity, and flammability.
  • Boiling point: temperature at which a liquid becomes a gas, important for fractional distillation.
  • Viscosity: measure of a fluid's resistance to flow; thicker fluids flow slower.
  • Flammability: measure of how easily a substance burns, crucial for fuels.
  • As hydrocarbon molecule size increases, boiling point and viscosity increase, while flammability decreases.
  • Larger hydrocarbon chains are more difficult to burn.
  • Knowledge of these properties is important for exams.
  • Properties determine hydrocarbon use, especially as fuels.
  • Smaller hydrocarbons are more useful as fuels due to high flammability and low viscosity.
  • Small liquid hydrocarbons run smoothly through engines without causing damage.

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