Chemistry Revision Notes
Contents
Section 1: Principles of Chemistry ... 4
States of Matter ... 4
Atoms ... 4
Diffusion and Dilution ... 4
Separation of Mixtures ... 5
Atomic Structure ... 7
Relative Atomic Mass (Ar) ... 7
Electronic Structure ... 8
Relative Formula Masses and Molar Volumes of Gases ... 8
The Mole ... 8
Calculations ... 9
Chemical Formulae and Chemical Equations ... 9
Empirical Formulae ... 10 Molecular Formula ... 11 Percentage Yield ... 11 Ionic Compounds ... 11 Covalent Bonding ... 12 Metallic Bonding ... 15 Electrolysis ... 18 Conductivity ... 18 Ions ... 18 Products of Electrolysis ... 18
Electrolysis and Redox ... 18
Electrolysis calculations ... 20
The Chlor-Alkali Industry ... 21
Group 0 – The Noble Gases ... 26
Oxygen And Oxides ... 27
Hydrogen and Water ... 29
Reactivity Series ... 30
Reduction and Oxidation ... 31
Test for Ions ... 31
Section 3 – Organic Chemistry ... 33
The Alkanes ... 33 Naming Hydrocarbons ... 33 Bromination... 33 Isomerism ... 34 Combustion ... 35 Alkenes ... 35 Addition Reactions ... 35 Ethanol ... 36 Fermentation:... 36
Addition of Steam to Ethene ... 36
Dehydration of Ethanol ... 36
Section 4 – Physical Chemistry ... 38
Acids, Bases and Salts ... 38
Reactions of Acids ... 38
Definitions ... 39
Salt Preparation ... 39
Rules for Solubility:... 39
Precipitation ... 39
Titration ... 40
Extraction of metals ... 46
The Blast Furnace ... 46
Aluminium Extraction ... 47
Uses of Iron ... 47
Uses of Aluminium ... 48
Crude Oil ... 48
Crude Oil Processing ... 48
Cracking ... 48 Polymerisation ... 49 Addition ... 49 Drawing Polymers ... 50 Condensation Polymerisation ... 51 Chemical Manufacture ... 52
The Haber Process ... 52
Section 1: Principles of Chemistry
States of Matter
STATE DESCRIPTION PROPERTIES AND EXPLANATIONS
Solid
Particles in close contact, they are arranged in a lattice. Vibrate around a fixed point.
High density, cannot be compressed and has a fixed shape.
As the solid is heated, the particles gain kinetic energy, and vibrate more rapidly. When the melting point is reached, the particles have sufficient energy to
overcome the forces of attraction between them sufficiently and the particles will move apart
LIQUID
In close contact in an irregular fashion. Can move around but cannot
separate.
They are less dense than solids, and still incompressible. They fill the shape of their container.
As temperature rises, the particles gain kinetic energy. When the boiling point is reached, the particles have sufficient energy to overcome completely the forces of attraction between them, and become separated.
GAS
Particles are spread far apart, and in no regular pattern. They are in rapid, constant, random motion.
Low density and easily compressed. They expand to fill their containers.
slowly spreads out from the crystal, as the particles (permanganate ions) move around randomly and spread out through the water molecules. If the solution is then diluted further, the purple colour becomes paler, as the permanganate ions become spread further apart. Since the colour caused by the particles can still be seen even if only a tiny crystal is dissolved in a large volume of water, the crystal -must contain very many particles. These particles must, then, be very small. The same effect can be seen if a drop of bromine is placed at the bottom of a covered gas jar. The bromine evaporates, and the red vapour spreads out to fill the jar, as the bromine
molecules diffuse throughout the molecules in the air. This is much more rapid than diffusion of a coloured solution, since the particles in a gas are much further apart, and move more rapidly.
Separation of Mixtures
To separate a compound into the elements from which it is made requires a chemical reaction; chemical bonds must be broken, and this often requires a lot of energy. To separate the components of a mixture, it usually requires a physical reaction. The appropriate method depends on the type of mixture.
Filtration
This is used to separate a solid from a liquid. The mixture is poured through a filter paper within a filter funnel. Liquid (filtrate) passes through, whilst the solid (residue) remains in paper. This can be used to separate two solids, if one is soluble and the other insoluble.
Crystallisation
When a solid is dissolved in water, it is possible to obtain the solid in the form of crystals. The solution is gently heated in an evaporating basin, until about half of the water has evaporated. The remaining concentrated solution is then left to cool, and the liquid to evaporate.
Simple Distillation
This is used to separate a liquid solvent and a solute. The flask is heated, causing the solvent to boil off. The vapour rises, passes into the condenser, and is cooled, causing it to condense. The liquid will run ne run off. The solute, having a much higher boiling point, will remain in the flask. distilled water thermometer water out water in Liebig condenser salt solution round-bottomed flask tripod gauze Bunsen burner
This is used to separate a mixture of liquids, based on their different boiling points. The apparatus is similar to simple distillation, but also has a fractionating column between the flask and the condenser, giving a large surface area. The substance with the lowest boiling point will boil off first. As the vapour rises through the column, into the condenser, it turns to a liquid and is collected. The process repeats with a higher temperature for another liquid, and the next liquid is collected. The process continues, until all of the components in the mixture have boiled, condensed, and been collected.
Chromatography
It is used to separate mixtures of coloured compounds which are soluble. A pencil line is drawn just above the solvent line, and a small spot of each substance to be tested is placed on this line. The paper is then suspended in a beaker with a solvent in it.
The solvent soaks up the filter paper, and dissolves the coloured substances in each sample, carrying them up the paper with it. Different substances are carried different distances. This can show how many different components are present, and is often used to compare several inks to see a fraction thermometer water out water in Liebig condenser mixture of liquids round-bottomed flask tripod gauze Bunsen burner fractionating column filter paper lid
Atomic Structure
An atom is the smallest particle of an element which can exist. It is possible to split an atom into smaller particles, but these will no longer display the properties of a particular chemical element.
RELATIVE MASS RELATIVE CHARGE LOCATION
Proton 1 +1 nucleus
Neutron 1 0 nucleus
Electron Negligible (1/2000) -1 orbiting nucleus
The mass of the atom is found in the nucleus (protons and neutrons). Electrons have a relatively insignificant mass, and orbit the nucleus. The atomic number is the number of protons in one atom of a particular element. This number determines which element a particular atom is. The atomic number is shown at the bottom-left of the element’s symbol. An atom has no overall charge. It has an equal number of protons (positively charged) and electrons (negatively charged). The mass number is the total number of protons and neutrons in one atom. This tells us the mass of the atom, since the mass of the electrons is insignificant. The mass number is written at the top-left of the symbol. Isotopes are atoms of the same element, with the same number of protons and electrons, but a different numbers of neutrons.
Relative Atomic Mass (Ar)
The relative atomic mass is the average mass of one atom, relative to 1/12 of the mass of a carbon-12 atom. This can be calculated, if the isotopes and their abundances are known:
Chlorine consists of two isotopes, chlorine-35, and chlorine-37. 75% of chlorine atoms are 35, and 25% are Cl-37. R.A.M. = (75/100) x 35 + (25/100) x 37 = 35.5
N
15
7
Mass number =15 Atomic number = 7Electronic Structure
The electrons in an atom orbit the nucleus at certain fixed distances – shells. Each shell can hold a certain maximum number of electrons – the pattern becomes quite complex beyond the element calcium, but for the first 20 elements it is relatively simple:
Shell 1 2 3 4
Maximum number of electrons 2 8 8 (2)
The electrons fill up the shells, beginning with the 1st shell (closest to the nucleus), and moving on to the next shell out when one is full. The number of outer electrons in the outer shell of an atom is equal to its group number on the periodic table. Because all chemical reactions are the result of changes in the outer shell electrons of the reacting atoms, atoms in the same group, having the same number of electrons in their outer shell, will react in a similar way.
Relative Formula Masses and Molar Volumes of Gases
The relative formula mass of a compound can be found by adding up all of the individual atoms in the formula. The percentage of an element in a compound in term of its mass is important, and can also find the formula of an unknown compound.
What is the percentage by mass of oxygen in sodium nitrate, NaNO3?
Relative formula mass = 23 + 14 + 3 x 16 = 85 Total relative mass of oxygen = 3 x16 = 48 Oxygen therefore accounts for 48/85 of the total mass, so:
Percentage of oxygen by mass = 85 48
x 100% = 56.5% (3 s.f.) The element in question may appear in more than one place in the formula.
e.g. What is the percentage by mass of oxygen in hydrated copper(II) sulphate, CuSO4.5H2O?
Relative formula mass = 64 + 32 + 4 x 16 + 5 x (2 x 1 + 16) = 250 Total relative mass of oxygen = 9 x 16 (there are 9 O atoms in total) = 144
Calculations Reacting Masses
e.g. What mass of oxygen is needed to burn 3.00kg of propane, C3H8?
Mr of propane = 3 x 12 + 8 x 1 = 44
1. Calculate the number of moles of
propane given in the question. relative formulamass mass
moles
44g 3000g
= 68.2 mol of C3H8
2. Write a balanced equation for the chemical reaction.
C
3
H
8+ 5O
23CO
2+ 4H
2O
C3H8 + 5O2 3CO2 + 4H2O
3. Use the ratio given by the balancing numbers in the equation to find the number of moles of O2 required to react with the C3H8.
1 mol of C3H8 : 5 moles O2 68.2 x 5 = 341
so 68.2 mol C3H8 : 341 mol O2
4. Convert the moles of oxygen back
into a mass. mass = moles x Mr = 341 x 32 = 10,900g
Mass of O2 = 10.9 kg (3 s.f.)
Gas Volumes
At room temperature and pressure one mole of a gas has the same volume 24dm3.
Moles of gas = 24 ) (dm gas of volume 3 or 24000 ) (cm gas of volume 3 Solution Calculations
A concentration of 1mol/dm3 means that 1 mol of the substance is dissolved in each dm3 of water.
Concentration (mol / g dm-3) = ) (dm volume s(g) (mol)/gram amount 3
can also be used. The valency represents the total numbers of covalent bonds an atom can form, or the charge on an ion. Valencies can be worked out by using the periodic table:
Group I II III IV V VI VII O Valency 1 2 3 4 3 2 1 0
The valencies of some elements in some compounds are given in the name in roman numerals, in brackets. For example: Iron (III) Chloride. The valencies of some compounds and elements must be learned:
Name Formula Valency
Hydrogen H2+ 1 Zinc Zn 2 Nitrate NO3 1 Hydroxide OH 1 Carbonate CO3 2 Sulphate SO4 2
Ammonium (forms positive ion) NH4 1 Diatomic elements are hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen and the halogens. Empirical Formulae
The empirical formula of a compound is the simplest whole number ratio of atoms in a compound. e.g. 2.88g of magnesium is heated in nitrogen, and forms 4.00g of magnesium nitride. Find the
empirical formula of magnesium nitride.
Mass of nitrogen = 4.00 - 2.88 = 1.12g Write the mass, or percentage by mass, of each element.
Mg 2.88g
N 1.12g Divide each mass (or percentage) by
the relative atomic mass of the element, to convert to moles.
24 88 . 2 =0.120mol 14 12 . 1 =0.0800mol Simplify this mole ratio by dividing
each number by the smallest. 0.0800 1.50 120 . 0 1.00 0800 . 0 0800 . 0
Molecular Formula
This is the actual number of each type of atom in one molecule of a molecular substance. This must be a whole number multiple of the empirical formula, which means the relative molecular mass must be a whole number multiple of the empirical formula mass.
A compound has the empirical formula CH2O, and a relative molecular mass of 120. What is its molecular
formula?
Relative mass of CH2O = 12 + 2 x 1 + 16 = 30
120 / 30 = 4, so there must be 4 lots of CH2O in the molecule to give the mass of 120 Therefore molecular formula must be C4H8O4
Percentage Yield
Percentage yield = actual yield/theoretical maximum yield x 100%
The percentage yield may not be 100% for several reasons. The reaction may not be complete, there may be other side reactions occurring, or the product cannot be fully separated.
Ionic Compounds
There are three different types of bonding which hold together the atoms in substances which are ionic, covalent and metallic. These occur because of the redistributing of electrons. Ionic bonding occurs in
compounds of a metal with a non-metal, as well as ammonium compounds. When dissolved in water, acids also form ions. The atoms become stable from a full outer shell of electrons. The gaining/losing of electrons cause these to become ions.
e.g. calcium chloride
CaCl2 1.
Calcium atoms have 2 electrons in their outer shell.
Chlorine atoms have 7 electrons in their outer shells.
3. Draw the final result, placing the ions in square brackets, and remembering to show the charge on each ion. Each ion must have a full outer shell of electrons:
Calcium has lost 2 electrons, so has become a 2+ ion. The chlorine atoms have gained one electron each, and have a charge of 1-. These are now attracted to each other, and held together by strong electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges.
Metals ions always form positive ions. Non-metals form negative ions - except for hydrogen (H+) and ammonium (NH4+) ions. The ions are generally arranged in an ionic lattice – a giant structure, placing positive ions next to negative, to maximise the total attraction, such as in the sodium chloride lattice:
They have high melting and boiling points, because of their giant structure, with strong electrostatic attractions between positive and negative ions throughout the entire structure. They are also brittle. When being bent the similarly charged ions touch and repel, shattering the object. The size of the charge on an ion is equal to its valency. Magnesium is in Group II, so has 2 outer electrons; it will therefore lose these when it reacts, and forms a Mg2+ ion. Oxygen is in Group VI, and has 6 outer electrons; it therefore needs to gain 2 electrons to fill the shell, and will form an O2- ion. The size of the charge on the ions affects the properties of the ionic compound. For example, the melting point of magnesium oxide, MgO, is much higher than that of sodium chloride, NaCl. MgO consists of ions with two units of charge – Mg2+ and O2- - which therefore attract each other much more strongly than the singly charged Na+ and Cl- ions in NaCl, so much more heat energy is required to separate them.
Covalent Bonding
A covalent bond is a shared pair of electrons. The outer shells overlap as the atoms share pairs of electrons, so Na+ ion
Oxygen is in group VI, so there are six electrons in the outer shell of each atom.
Draw a diagram of the molecule representing each bond as a line between the atoms. One line represents one covalent bond (a pair of electrons). In the dot-and-cross diagram, this is represented as one dot and one cross:
Hydrogen H H Chlorine Cl Cl Nitrogen N N Hydrogen chloride H Cl Carbon dioxide O C O Ammonia N H H H
Water H O H Ethene C C H H H H Methane C H H H H Ethane H C C H H H H H
Most covalently bonded compounds have a simple molecular structure, meaning they have low melting and boiling points due to the weak intermolecular forces which are easily broken. The covalent bonds are not broken when it melts or boils.
Some form giant structures, in which each atom is covalently bonded to several others, with this pattern repeating indefinitely to form a single, giant macromolecule, of unlimited size. This type of substance is best illustrated using two allotropes of carbon. Allotropes are different structural forms of the same element.
Giant lattice, with each carbon atom forming four strong covalent bonds to four other carbon atoms.
Layer lattice, with each carbon atom forming three covalent bonds to three other carbon atoms, giving hexagonal layers of atoms.
High sublimation temperature – strong covalent bonds need to be broken, hence more energy is required. The result is single carbon atoms with no bonds, between them, meaning it is sublimated.
High sublimation temperature – strong covalent bonds need to be broken, hence more energy is required. The result is single carbon atoms with no bonds, between them, meaning it is sublimated.
Uses: coating saw blades and drill bits – its extreme hardness allows it to cut through any substance.
Uses: in lubricating oils, and as pencil ‘lead’ – the weak layers allow it to slide and be transferred to items such as paper.
Ionic compounds have higher melting points than covalent compounds as the ions are held together in a giant structure by strong electrostatic forces. Covalent compounds have a simple molecular structure – although the covalent bonds holding the hydrogen and oxygen atoms together are very strong, these are not broken on melting, only the weak intermolecular forces are broken.
Metallic Bonding
This is found in metals and alloys. Each metal atom loses its outer shell electrons, becoming a positive ion. These positive metal ions are closely-packed in a lattice. The outer shell electrons are delocalised and they are free to move throughout the entire metal. It is the electrostatic attraction between the positive metal ions in the lattice, and the ‘cloud’ of delocalised negative electrons which holds the metal together.
Property Explanation
High melting and boiling point, high tensile strength
Ionic compounds have a giant structure, with strong electrostatic attraction between positive metal ions and delocalised electrons, requiring large amounts of energy to overcome it.
Malleable The layers of metal ions can slide easily over each other. This can happen without disrupting the metallic bonding.
Electrical conductors There is a sea of delocalised electrons, free to carry the current. Regular lattice of positive metal ions.
Delocalised ‘cloud’ of electrons, free to move between the ions.
e- e- e - e- e- e- e- e- e- e- e- e- e- e- e- e- e- e - e- e- e- e- e- e-
Type Of Substance
Formed
From Structure Bonding Description Properties Examples
Metallic Metals Giant Metallic Lattice of positive metal ions held in a cloud of delocalised electrons.
High melting and boiling points; electrical conductors
Gold, copper, steel, silver
Ionic Metals and
non-metals. Giant Ionic
Lattice of alternatingly charged ions, held by electrostatic force.
High melting and boiling points
Sodium chloride, magnesium oxide all salts.
Covalent
Molecular Non-metals Simple Covalent
Help together by a shared pair of electrons, with weak intermolecular bonds.
Low melting and boiling points
Water, ammonia, diatomic
elements.
Giant Covalent Non-metals Giant Covalent
Giant three-dimensional tetrahedral structure with no free electrons..
Sublimes at very high temperatures; hard: electrical insulator
Diamond
Layered hexagonal structure with some free electrons.
Sublimes at very high temperatures; soft; electrical conductor
Electrolysis
Conductivity
There are two types of electric conductors: metallic conductors and electrolytes. In metallic
conductors, the electrons are delocalised, and carry the charge. These are solid metals, liquid metals, and graphite. Electrolytes conduct electricity because of free moving ions. If an ionic substance melts or is dissolved, it is an electrolyte. Covalently bonded acids – which are dissolved in water – are also electrolytes, due to the disassociated ions. Electrolytes have a higher resistance than metallic conductors, and electrolytes are decomposed by the passage of an electric current. This decomposition is called electrolysis.
Ions
There are two ions present in the electrolyte, anions (positive) and cations (negative.) The anion is attracted to the anode (negative electrode) and the cation is attracted to the cathode (positive electrode). There are three main rules used to find the charge of an ion: metal ions, hydrogen ions, and ammonium ions are ALWAYS positive. Non-metal ions are always negative. The size of the charge is equal to the valency of the element.
Products of Electrolysis
The simplest examples of electrolysis involve a molten binary ionic substance. When this is electrolysed, it breaks down into the two electrons from which it is made. The metal (cation) will form at the cathode, and the non-metal (anion) will form at the anode.
If the compound is aqueous, the H+ and OH- ions complicate things. These may be discharged as hydrogen and oxygen. When there are two ions of the same type involved in electrolysis, their reactivity is the main factor. The less reactive element will be discharged, as its compound is less stable.
The results of electrolysing an ionic compound in aqueous solution can be predicted by using the rules below:
Hydrogen will be discharged at the cathode unless copper, silver or gold ions are present – in which case they will be discharged.
Oxygen will be discharged at the anode unless chlorine, bromine or iodine are present (in high concentrations), in which case they will be discharged as the halogen.
The electrodes are usually made from platinum or graphite, as they are unreactive. Electrolysis and Redox
Dilute Sulphuric Acid
The electrolysis of any acid produces hydrogen and oxygen. Electrolysis of compounds which produce gases is done by a Hoffman voltameter, which collects the gases. The electrolysis occurs at platinum electrodes, and the gas bubbles up into inverted burettes. The volume of hydrogen is double the amount of oxygen, as the formula H2O suggests. The water is electrolysed, the acid is just used as an electrolyte. The hydrogen ions go to the cathode and are reduced, and then pair up as diatomic molecules:
Concentrated Aqueous Sodium Chloride
There are no copper, silver, or gold ions, so hydrogen will be produced at the cathode. The high concentration of chloride ions mean chlorine will be produced as the anode and discharged as
Aqueous Copper (II) Sulphate – Graphite Electrodes
The Cu2+ ions are present in the solution, so they are attracted to the cathode and are reduced to Copper atoms. A salmon pink coating forms on the graphite cathode. No halide ions are present, so oxygen is produced at the anode, as the OH- ions are oxidised.
Electrolysis calculations
It is possible to calculate the amount of a substance produced in electrolysis. The quantities depend on the total number of electrons supplied to the ions, and the charge of the ions. The charge on one mole of electrons is one faraday, and is equal to 96,500 Coulombs.
1 mol e- 1 F = 96500 C
Moles of electrons = charge (C) / 96500 The charge which has passed through a circuit can be found using:
Q = I x t
Where Q = charge (Coulombs); I = current (Amps); t = time (seconds)
e.g. A current of 0.5A is passed through an aqueous solution of copper(II) sulphate for 2
hours. What mass of copper metal is deposited on the cathode?
Q = I x t = 0.5A x 7200s = 3600C Moles of electrons = charge / 96500 = 0.0373 mol e
-Cu
2+(aq)+ 2e
--Cu
(s)Cu2+(aq) + 2e-- Cu(s)
2 moles of electrons gives 1 mole of Cu
moles of Cu = moles of electrons / 2 = 0.0373 / 2 = 0.0187 mol Cu Mass = moles x molar mass = 0.0187 x 63.5 = 1.19g
Mass of copper = 1.19 g
e.g. For how long must a current of 0.1A be passed through dilute sulphuric acid in order to produce 240cm3 of oxygen gas?
4OH
--(aq)2H
2
O
(l)+ O
2(g)+ 4e
--t = Q / I = 3860 / 0.1 = 38600 s time = 643 minutes (3 s.f.)
The Chlor-Alkali Industry
The electrolysis of concentrated sodium chloride solution (brine) produces three important chemicals, chlorine, hydrogen, and sodium hydroxide. The method of manufacture is called the chlor-alkali industry. This is carried out in a diaphragm (membrane) cell:
The electrodes are in separate compartments, partitioned by a permeable diaphragm. At the anode chlorine ions are oxidised, forming chlorine gas, collected from the top:
2Cl
--(aq)Cl
2(g)+ 2e
--2Cl--(aq) Cl 2(g) + 2e--At the cathode, hydrogen ions are reduced, to form hydrogen gas, which is also collected at the top of the cell:
2H
+(aq)+ 2e
--H
2(g)
2H+(aq) + 2e-- H2(g)
The H+ ions are formed when the water disassociates, and they are removed by the electrolysis. Due to Le Chatelier’s principle, more water is then disassociated:
The OH- ions are not involved in the electrolysis, and accumulate in the cathode compartment. The Na+ ions are attracted to the cathode, but are not removed by electrolysis, so they remain in solution. The solution in the cathode compartment is now enriched in sodium and hydroxide ions, aka sodium hydroxide solution.
concentrated salt solution in sodium hydroxide and dilute salt solution out nickel cathode titanium anode hydrogen chlorin e diaphrag m H 2O(l) H + (aq) + OH--(aq) . H2O(l) H+(aq) + OH--(aq) .
flow is from anode – cathode. Some sodium chloride remains in the solution, so the solution is heated till the sodium chloride crystallises out, so it can be removed.
Sodium hydroxide is used:
To purify bauxite to make alumina, so aluminium can be extracted.
To make soap
To break down wood when making paper
To manufacture chemicals
Chlorine is used to make bleach, hydrochloric acid, PVC, and to sterilise water.
Hydrogen is used to manufacture ammonia and margarine, and as an alternative power source.
Section 2: Chemistry of the Elements
The Periodic TableThe elements in the Periodic Table are arranged in order of increasing atomic number. The number of shells is given by the Period of an element. The number of electrons in the outer shell is given by the Group. The elements in Group 0 all have full outer shells. The elements can be classified as either metals or non-metals largely on the basis of their electrical conductivity. Metals conduct electricity well, whereas non-metals (except graphite) are insulators.
The vast majority of elements are metals. The metals are found to the left of the Periodic Table, and the non-metals towards the right. Some elements close to the line, example: silicon, display
properties between those of metals and non-metals, are classed as semi-metals. The metals tend to form positive ions, as they lose their outer shell electrons. The non-metals generally gain electrons, and form negative ions, or bond covalently with other non-metals.
A further distinction between the metals and non-metals is in the chemical behaviour of their oxides. Metal oxides are basic – they will react with acids to form salts, and some of them dissolve in water to give alkaline solutions:
Non-metal oxides are acidic – they react with alkalis to form salts, and dissolve in water to give acidic solution. Important examples are carbon dioxide, which is dissolved under pressure in fizzy drinks, and sulphur dioxide, which dissolves in rainwater to make sulphuric acid, causing acid rain.
Group I (The Alkali Metals)
Properties
They have a low density and lithium, potassium and sodium float. They are shiny when freshly cut, but rapidly tarnish. They are soft and have low melting points. They are silvery except for Caesium which is pale gold, and they are very reactive and are stored under oil or in argon.
Trends
On descending the group, the alkali metals become more reactive, softer, and denser. The outer electrons become further from the nucleus, meaning the attraction becomes weaker, making it easier to remove the outer electrons, making it more reactive.
Reactions
With oxygen, to form oxides:
4Na
(s)+ O
2(g)2Na
2O
(s)4Na
(s)+ O
2(g)2Na
2O
(s)With water, to form hydroxides (hence the name, the alkali metals) and hydrogen:
2K
(s)+ 2H
2O
(l)2KOH
(aq)+ H
2(g)2K
(s)+ 2H
2O
(l)2KOH
(aq)+ H
2(g)Lithium reacts vigorously, fizzing around on the surface of the water, and appearing to dissolve, as it forms soluble lithium hydroxide.
Sodium reactions are the same as Lithium, but slightly more reactive, and forms soluble sodium hydroxide. With more heat produced, and sodium’s lower melting point, the sodium becomes molten, and forms a ball of liquid metal.
Potassium reacts violently, fizzing around very rapidly in a molten ball, and appearing to dissolve as it forms soluble potassium hydroxide. It also burns with a purple flame.
Group VII (The Halogens)
These are reactive diatomic non-metals, which give off poisonous fumes. Fluorine, F2 Pale yellow gas, very toxic and extremely reactive. Chlorine, Cl2 Pale green gas, dense and toxic.
Bromine, Br2 Dense, dark red liquid, gives off red-brown vapour. Toxic and corrosive.
Iodine, I2
Dark grey solid, sublimes to give a purple vapour. Forms a brown solution in water, and a purple solution in hexane.
Trends
On descending the group, they become darker, and have a higher melting/boiling point. They become less reactive as the distance of the outer shell from the nucleus increases, making it harder to attract a new electron.
Reactions
The halogens burn vigorously when heated with the alkali metals, to form white crystalline halide salts. These are ionic compounds.
2Na
(s)+ Cl
2(g)2NaCl
(s)2Na
(s)+ Cl
2(g)2NaCl
(s)Any halogen can be displaced from its compound (halide) by using a more reactive halogen. Such reactions are done in aqueous solution.
1. Chlorine + sodium bromide
Word equation: Chlorine + sodium bromide → sodium chloride + bromine
Formula equation:
Cl
2(aq)+ 2NaBr
(aq)2NaCl
(aq)+ Br
2(aq)Cl
2(aq)+ 2NaBr
(aq)2NaCl
(aq)+ Br
2(aq)The colourless chlorine water reacts with the colourless sodium bromide solution, producing a solution which is orange due to the formation of aqueous bromine.
2. Chlorine + sodium iodide
Word equation: Chlorine + sodium iodide → sodium chloride + iodine
Formula equation:
Cl
2(aq)+ 2NaI
(aq)2NaCl
(aq)+ I
2(aq)Cl
2(aq)+ 2NaI
(aq)2NaCl
(aq)+ I
2(aq)
The colourless chlorine water reacts with the colourless sodium iodide solution, producing a solution which is brown due to the formation of aqueous iodine.
3. Bromine + sodium iodide
Word equation: Bromine + sodium iodide → sodium bromide + iodine
Formula equation:
Br
2(aq)+ 2NaI
(aq)2NaBr
(aq)+ I
2(aq)Br
2(aq)+ 2NaI
(aq)2NaBr
(aq)+ I
2(aq)
The orange bromine water reacts with the colourless sodium iodide solution, producing a solution which is brown due to the formation of aqueous iodine.
Oxygen And Oxides
Oxygen is the second-most abundant gases in the atmosphere:
GAS ABUNDANCE
Nitrogen 78%
Oxygen 21%
Argon 0.9%
Carbon dioxide 0.04% Water vapour Variable
To find the percentage of oxygen in air, attach two gas syringes together with a glass tube, which contain copper filings. Fill one gas syringe, empty the other, and heat the tube. The metal will be oxidised, and the volume of air (at room temperature) is now 21% less.
Preparation Of Oxygen
Oxygen can be prepared by the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. A manganese dioxide catalyst is needed: M nO2
2H
2O
2(aq) M nO2 M nO22H
2O
(l)+ O
2(g) M nO2 2H O(aq) M nO2 M nO2 2H O(l) + O(g) gas syringe copper turnings glass tubeFormation Of Oxides
Magnesium burns vigorously in air, with a brilliant white flame, to form magnesium oxide, a white powder. Magnesium oxide is a metal oxide, and so is basic. It is slightly soluble in water, giving a slightly alkaline solution of magnesium hydroxide (pH 10). It will react with acids, to form a salt and water:
2Mg
(s)+ O
2(g)2MgO
(s)2Mg
(s)+ O
2(g)2MgO
(s)MgO
(s)+ H
2O
(l)Mg(OH)
2(aq)MgO
(s)+ H
2O
(l)Mg(OH)
2(aq)MgO
(s)+ 2HCl
(aq)MgCl
2(aq)+ H
2O
(l)MgO
(s)+ 2HCl
(aq)MgCl
2(aq)+ H
2O
(l)Carbon burns steadily if heated in air, to form colourless carbon dioxide gas. If the supply of oxygen is limited, some toxic carbon monoxide is also produced. Carbon dioxide is a non-metal oxide, and so is acidic. It is slightly soluble in water, giving a weakly acidic solution of carbonic acid (pH 6).
C
(s)+ O
2(g)CO
2(g)C
(s)+ O
2(g)CO
2(g)CO
2(g)+ H
2O
(l)H
2CO
3(aq)CO
2(g)+ H
2O
(l)H
2CO
3(aq)S
(s)+ O
2(g)SO
2(g)SO
2(g)+ H
2O
(l)H
2SO
3(aq) oxygen gas beehive shelf hydrogen peroxide manganese dioxideCarbon Dioxide
To prepare carbon dioxide add hydrochloric acid to marble chips (calcium carbonate).
CaCO
3(s)+ 2HCl
(aq)CaCl
2(aq)+ H
2O
(l)CaCO
3(s)+ 2HCl
(aq)CaCl
2(aq)+ H
2O
(l)Carbon dioxide is also formed in the thermal decomposition of metal carbonates. Green copper (II) carbonate becomes black copper (I) oxide.
heat
CuCO
3(s) heat heatCuO
(s)+ CO
2(g) heat CuCO3(s) heat heat CuO(s) + CO2(g)Carbon dioxide is used in fire extinguishers – it is unreactive, and denser than air, so gathers around the fire, depriving it of oxygen. It is especially useful for electrical fires, when it is dangerous to use water. Carbon dioxide is also dissolved, under pressure, in fizzy drinks. When the bottle is opened, the pressure is released, and the carbon dioxide bubbles out of solution.
Acid Rain
Sulphur dioxide is formed when coal is burned in power stations. This dissolves in rainwater, forming acid rain. This damages trees, kills fish in rivers and lakes, and damages limestone buildings. Similar pollutants include nitrogen oxides (NO, NO2), formed when nitrogen in the air reacts with oxygen in hot car engines. It can dissolve in rain water to form nitrous and nitric acids, which also contribute to acid rain.
Hydrogen and Water
Hydrogen is the least dense but most abundant element in the universe. Test for Hydrogen
To test for the presence of hydrogen gas, a sample of the gas is collected in a test tube, and a lit splint is applied. Hydrogen ignites with a ‘squeaky pop’ and a blue flame will be seen.
Combustion of Hydrogen
When hydrogen burns it forms water (hydrogen oxide). Because the flame is hot, this will form as water vapour.
2H
2(g)+ O
2(g)H
2O
(g)2H
2(g)+ O
2(g)H
2O
(g)Test for Water
White anhydrous copper (II) sulphate turns blue in the presence water and pure water boils at exactly 100C.
Reactivity Series
A more reactive metal will displace a less reactive metal from a compound, and this usually occurs in solution, but can occur in solids, if the metal is heated.
Copper metal + magnesium chloride solution: no reaction – copper is less reactive than magnesium. Magnesium metal + copper sulphate solution: Magnesium is more reactive than copper, so can displace it. A pink coating of copper forms on the surface of the magnesium, and the blue copper sulphate solution slowly turns colourless, as it is converted to magnesium sulphate:
Mg
(s)+ CuSO
4(aq)MgSO
4(aq)+ Cu
(s)Mg
(s)+ CuSO
4(aq)MgSO
4(aq)+ Cu
(s)Displacement reactions can be used to establish a reactivity series for common metals:
METAL REACTION WITH ACID REACTION WITH WATER
Zinc Fizzes steadily, forming hydrogen gas Reacts very slowly, forming hydrogen gas
Iron Fizzes very slowly, forming hydrogen gas Rusts slowly, but only if oxygen is present
Copper No reaction No reaction
Reduction and Oxidation
Any reaction which involves oxygen being transferred between two other elements is a redox reaction. A redox reaction is one in which both oxidation and reduction occurs.
Oxidation is the gain of oxygen and the loss of electrons. Reduction is the loss of oxygen and the gain of electrons.
A substance which provides oxygen and takes electrons is the oxidising agent. A substance which removes oxygen and provides electrons is the reducing agent. Rusting
Rusting is the oxidation of iron, to form hydrated iron(III) oxide.
Only iron (and alloys of iron, such as steel) can rust. Other metals corrode. Rusting requires oxygen and water. Rusting can be prevented by placing grease or oil on the iron which repels water. This is applied regularly and is messy, normally for machinery. Paint and plastic coatings form a protective layer, but once scratched the metal below starts to rust. Galvanising involves coating the iron in a layer of zinc. If scratched the zinc acts sacrificially
Sacrificial protection involves placing a more reactive metal (such as magnesium or zinc) in contact with the iron object. Because this sacrificial metal is more reactive, it will corrode in preference to the iron – it is ‘sacrificed’ to protect the iron from rusting. This is used mainly on ships. Blocks of zinc are bolted to the hull at regular intervals. These slowly oxidise, and protect the ship from rusting. They must be regularly replaced, when they become corroded.
Test for Ions
Cations:
Li+ Flame test – add conc. HCl to the compound, dip wire loop in the paste and hold in a Bunsen burner blue flame.
Red colour
Na+ Persistent orange colour
K+ Lilac colour
Ca2+ Brick red colour
NH4+ Add sodium hydroxide and warm. Ammonia gas is produced which has a pungent smell and turns red litmus blue.
Cu2+ Add sodium hydroxide solution Pale blue precipitate of Cu(OH)2
Anions:
Cl- Add nitric acid and then silver (I) nitrate solution. White precipitate of silver chloride.
Br- Cream precipitate of silver iodide.
I- Yellow precipitate of silver bromide.
SO42- Add some hydrochloric acid and then barium chloride solution. White precipitate of Barium Sulphate. CO32- Add hydrochloric acid and bubble gas through limewater. Carbon Dioxide gas is produced which
turns lime water cloudy. Gases:
Ammonia NH3 Damp red litmus paper Turns damp red litmus blue. Carbon Dioxide CO2 Bubble through limewater It turns cloudy.
Chlorine Cl2 Expose to damp blue litmus The paper is bleached white. Hydrogen H2 Collect gas in a test tube and apply a lit splint Squeaky pop and blue flame. Oxygen O2 Collect gas in a test tube, apply a glowing splint Splint relights.
Water H2O Pass through anhydrous copper sulphate crystals, or test with anhydrous cobalt chloride paper
Copper sulphate – white to blue, cobalt chloride paper – blue to pink.
Section 3 – Organic Chemistry
The Alkanes
The alkanes are a homologous series of hydrocarbons. This means they have the same general formula, same chemical properties and follow a trend in physical properties. The general formula of alkanes is CnH2n+2.
Naming Hydrocarbons
When naming an organic molecule, look for the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms, which determines the root:
Number of carbon atoms Root
1 METH- 2 ETH- 3 PROP- 4 BUT- 5 PENT- 6 HEX- 7 HEPT- 8 OCT-
The root is also given a suffix to identify the series to which the compound belongs, and all alkanes have names ending in –ane.
Bromination
Alkanes will react with bromine if they exposed to ultraviolet light. This is a substitution reaction, where one hydrogen atom is replaced with one bromine atom. Hydrogen Bromide is also produced:
Isomerism
Combustion
Alkanes are not very reactive, and so they are mostly used as fuels. When a hydrocarbon is completely burned, it forms carbon dioxide and water.
C
3H
8+ 5O
23CO
2+ 4H
2O
C
3H
8+ 5O
23CO
2+ 4H
2O
If insufficient oxygen is available, incomplete combustion occurs, and this produces the poisonous carbon monoxide:
2C
3H
8+ 7O
26CO + 8H
2O
2C
3H
8+ 7O
26CO + 8H
2O
If there is even less oxygen, carbon is produced, leading to a sooty, yellow flame.
Alkenes
The alkenes are another homologous series of hydrocarbons, with the general formula CnH2n.
more reactive as the double bond can be broken, leading to an addition reaction. Bromination is an addition reaction: C H C H C H H C H H + Br Br Br Br C H Br C H Br C H H Br C H H Br
This can be used to distinguish between alkanes and alkenes. When bromine water is added to an alkene it rapidly decolourises, but when added to an alkane the solution stays orange.
Ethanol
Ethanol is part of the alcohols homologous series:
C C H H OH H H H
There are two main methods for its production:
Fermentation:
This is the conversion of glucose to ethanol and carbon dioxide which is done by anaerobic
respiration of yeast. A valve must be used to allow the carbon dioxide to escape, without allowing air to enter the vessel. This is done at 40 degrees, which is the optimum temperature for the zymase enzyme. This produces alcohol of 15% concentration, and is the only method used to produce alcoholic drinks, as the flavour of the fruit juices fermented provides the flavour of the drink. The alcohol is then distilled to produce more concentrated drinks, such as vodka. This is a batch process, and so takes much longer.
zy mase
C
6H
12O
6(aq) zy mase zy mase2C
2H
5OH
(aq)+ 2CO
2(g) zy mase C 6H12O6(aq) zy mase zy mase 2C 2H5OH(aq) + 2CO2(g) Addition of Steam to EtheneThis is carried out at a high temperature and pressure (300C, 60-70 atm), and is passed over a phosphoric acid catalyst. This method is a continuous process, and is used in oil rich countries. This produces purer alcohol.
and the ethanol are heated, and the vaporised ethanol passes over the catalyst, and breaks down to form ethene and steam. The ethene can be collected over water.
Section 4 – Physical Chemistry
Acids, Bases and Salts
Indicators are substances which determine whether a solution is acidic or alkaline.
Indicator Colour in Acid Colour in Alkali
Litmus Red Blue
Phenolphthalein Colourless Pink
Methyl Orange Red Yellow
There are two types of litmus, red litmus which turns blue in alkalis, and blue litmus which turns red in acids.
Universal indicator shows how acidic or alkaline something is, and it goes from red (strong acid) to green (neutral) to purple (strong alkali). Acidity is measured using the pH scale, which goes from 1 (acidic) to 7 (neutral) to 14 (alkaline).A pH probe can also be used.
Reactions of Acids
When acids react, they form salts:
ACID FORMULA SALT FORMED
Hydrochloric acid HCl (aq) chloride salts (Cl, valency 1)
Sulphuric acid H2SO4 (aq) sulphate salts (SO4, valency 2)
Nitric acid HNO3 (aq) nitrate salts (NO3, valency 1)
Acid + Metal → Salt + Hydrogen
Metals which are below hydrogen in the reactivity series do not react with dilute acids.
Magnesium – reacts rapidly with dilute acids to make colourless solutions of magnesium
salts.
Zinc – reacts readily to make colourless salts.
Aluminium – does not react due to impervious aluminium oxide coating.
Iron – reacts slowly to form pale solutions of Iron (II) chloride or Iron (III) sulphate.
Acid + Metal Oxide → Salt + Water
METAL OXIDE SALT + WATER
METAL CARBONATE SALT + CARBON DIOXIDE + WATER
METAL HYDROXIDE SALT + WATER
Definitions
Acids are substances which dissociate in water and form an H+(aq) ion. Acids are proton donors. Acids only behave like acids when dissolved in water. Hydrogen chloride dissolves in water to form hydrochloric acid, in methylbenzene is does not dissociate, and so does not behave like an acid. Bases are substances which react with acids and form a salt and water. This includes metal oxides, metal carbonates and metal hydroxides.
Alkalis are bases which dissolve in water to form the OH
-(aq) ion. Most alkalis are metalhydroxides, but ammonia is also an alkali.
NH
3(aq)+ H
2O
(l)NH
4+(aq)+ OH
--(aq)NH
3(aq)+ H
2O
(l)NH
4+(aq)+ OH
--(aq)Salts are formed when the hydrogen in the acid is replaced by a different positive ion –
usually a metal ion.
Neutralisation is the reaction of an acid with a base. A salt and water is always produced.
Salt Preparation
Rules for Solubility:
All sodium, potassium and ammonium compounds are soluble.
All chlorides except silver chloride are soluble.
All sulphates are soluble, except for barium and calcium sulphate.
All hydroxides are insoluble, except sodium, potassium and ammonium.
All nitrates are soluble.
Precipitation
This is used to prepare insoluble salts. Two solutions are mixed, each one containing one of the necessary ions. On mixing, the ions combine and form the salt, which precipitates. This is filtered off, rinsed and left to dry. For example, to make Barium Sulphate, two solutions are needed, one of Barium Nitrate, one of Sodium Sulphate (both are soluble). The solutions are mixed, the precipitate filtered, rinsed and left to dry.
Equation:
Ba(NO
3)
2(aq)+ Na
2SO
4(aq)BaSO
4(s)+ 2NaNO
3(aq)Ba(NO
3)
2(aq)+ Na
2SO
4(aq)BaSO
4(s)+ 2NaNO
3(aq)
Ionic equation:
Ba
2+(aq)
+ SO
42--(aq)BaSO
4(s)Ba
2+(aq)
+ SO
42--(aq)BaSO
4(s)
Note that the ionic equation for the formation of any salt follows this simple pattern, of two aqueous ions combining to make the precipitate, e.g.:
Titration
This is used to prepare soluble salts from an acid and a soluble base. It is normally used to prepare sodium, potassium and ammonium salts. A known volume of acid is measured into a conical flask, using a pipette, and some indicator is added. The alkali is placed in a burette and slowly added into the indicator shows the solution is now neutral. The amount of alkali is noted, and the experiment is repeated, until concordant titres are found. The titre is then added again, but this time no indicator is added. The solution is then boiled till it is saturated, and then slowly heated till it crystallises. Reaction of an Acid with an Insoluble Base
This method is used to prepare soluble salts, from an insoluble base. The acid is placed in a beaker and warmed with a Bunsen burner. The insoluble metal oxide or carbonate is added and stirred. It is added until it stops disappearing, and is in excess – the reaction is complete. It can now be filtered off, leaving the pure salt solution behind. The solution is now gently warmed until it is saturated, and then it is left to crystallise.
O O S S
e.g. barium sulphate
e.g. potassium chloride
e.g. nickel nitrate
e.g. use BA nitrate + sodium P AT solutions e.g. use D C C acid + P TA hydroxide e.g. use T C acid + C carbonate or oxide
Energetics
All chemical reactions result in a conversion of energy. Chemical reactions which release heat energy are exothermic, and those which take in heat energy are endothermic. Due to the conservation of energy, exothermic reactions result in the chemical energy of the products decreasing, and endothermic reactions have the chemical energy of the products increasing.
Enthalpy is the chemical energy change, and is given the symbol Δ . Δ is always given in terms of the chemicals, and not the surroundings. This means exothermic reactions have negative enthalpy changes, and endothermic reactions have positive ones.
Measuring Enthalpy Changes
It is possible to measure the enthalpy change by using a reaction to heat or cool a known mass of water. The enthalpy change can be measured by using the formula:
Δ = m c ΔT
Where: Δ = energy supplied by water (joules), m = mass of water (grams), c = specific heat capacity of water (4.2 J/g/C), and ΔT = the change in temperature of the water (C). Since an increase in the temperature of the water means a decrease in the energy of the chemicals, to find the enthalpy change of the reaction, use:
If the reaction occurs in solution, the mass of the solution is used.
Enthalpy change is commonly given per mole, and the molar enthalpy change is given in kilojoules per mole.
e.g. 100g of water were placed in a copper calorimeter above a fuel burner containing hexane, C6H14. Burning the hexane caused the temperature of the water to rise from 18 to 44. The mass of the burner decreased from 98.30g to 97.87g. What is the enthalpy of combustion of 1 mole of hexane?
Formula mass of hexane = 6 x 12 + 14 x 1 = 86 Temperature rise = 44 – 18 = 26C
Mass of hexane burned = 98.30 – 97.87 = 0.43
Moles of hexane burned = mass / molar mass = 0.43 / 86 = 0.005 mol Energy supplied to water = m c ΔT = 100g x 4.2 J/g/C x 26C = 10920 J So Enthalpy change = - m c ΔT = -10920 J
Enthalpy change per mol = -10920J / 0.005 mol = -2184000 J/mol ΔH = -2184 kJ/mol
Calculating Enthalpy Changes
To calculate the enthalpy change for any reaction: 1. Write a balanced equation for the reaction.
2. Find the total bond energy of every bond in the reactant molecules, remembering to take into account the balancing numbers (it may help to draw out the molecules).
3. Find the total bond energy of every bond in the product molecules, remembering to take into account the balancing numbers.
4. The overall enthalpy change is given by:
ΔH = bond energy of reactants – bond energy of products
e.g. What is the enthalpy change when one mole of methane is burned?
CH
4+ 2O
2CO
2+ 2H
2O
CH4 + 2O2 CO2 + 2H2O C H H H H+
O O C O O O O+
O H H O H H BOND C H O O C O O HBOND DISSOCIATION ENTHALPY
(kJ/mol) 412 496 743 463
Total bond energy for reactants = 4 (C H) + 2 (O = O) = 4 x 412 + 2 x 496 = 2640 kJ/mol
Total bond energy for products = 2 x (C = O) + 4 x (O H) = 2 x 743 + 4 x 463 = 3338 kJ/mol
Reactant – product energies = 2640 – 3338 = -698 kJ/mol ΔH = -698 kJ/mol
In some cases, the actual change is different to the theoretical one, and if the obtained value is lower, there is either some heat loss, or incomplete combustion.
Rates of Reaction
The rate of reaction is the change in amount of reactant (or product) per unit time. The rate of reaction may be monitored in several ways:
The volume of gas produced in a gas syringe
The loss of mass due to gas escape
pH change
temperature change
colour change
To measure the above, it is crucial to have a unit time. Factors that affect the rate of reaction
The four factors which affect the rate of a chemical reaction: concentration/pressure of liquid/gaseous reactants surface area of solid reactants
temperature catalysts
For a reaction to take place the reactant particles need to collide with energy greater than the activation energy. Increasing the first two factors increases the rate at which they collide, so there are more frequent collisions. Increasing the third factor increases the success rate of the collisions (as each particle has energy closer to the activation energy). The addition of the catalyst lowers the activation energy of the reaction. Thus increasing all four factors ensures there are more frequent, more successful collisions. The catalyst increases the rate of a chemical reaction without being used up in the overall reaction. The catalyst provides an
alternative pathway for a reaction, with a lower activation energy. Catalysts are specific – certain ones catalyse certain reactions, but not others. The catalyst is not a reactant, and should not be written as part of the equation. It is written above the arrow.
Equilibria
Most chemical reactions will proceed to completion once started, but others are reversible, and can occur in both the backward and forwards directions. These are dented by the arrow. These reactions do not reach completion, they reach an equilibrium, where the rates of the forwards and the rate of the backwards reactions are the same. Chemical equilibria are dynamic equilibria in that the change is constantly occurring, but as both reactions are occurring at the same rate, the amount of products and reactants remains constant. Le Chatelier’s Principle
This principle is a way of predicting the outcome of changing an equilibrium mixture, and it states:
‘When a change of conditions is imposed on a system in equilibrium, the position of equilibrium will shift in a direction so as to oppose the change in conditions.’
Change Imposed Effect on Equilibrium
Increase in temperature Moves to the endothermic reaction Decrease in temperature Moves to the exothermic reaction
Increase in pressure Moves to the side with fewer moles of gas Decrease in pressure Moves to the side with more moles of gas Adding a reactant Moves to the opposite side
Removing a reactant Moves towards the side involving that reactant Using a catalyst No effect – but increases the rate of both.
Section 5 – Chemistry in Society
Extraction of metals
Metals are extracted from ores. Ores are rocks which contain a sufficient amount of a peculiar metal.
The extraction of metal can be divided into three categories:
Least reactive – may be found unreacted. They still need to be removed from their ores, but not chemically broken down. This includes gold and platinum.
Moderately reactive metals – they are below carbon in the reactivity series. Extracted in a displacement reaction with carbon. This includes lead, copper and iron.
Metals which are more reactive than carbon need to be extracted by electrolysis. This includes aluminium.
The Blast Furnace
Three things are added to the top of the blast furnace:
Iron ore – often haematite, Fe2O3
Coke – mainly consists of carbon. Made by purifying coal. Limestone – calcium carbonate, CaCO3
Hot air is fed through the bottom. The coke burns in this air:
This reaction is exothermic, and heats up the furnace. The carbon dioxide then reacts with more coke to form carbon monoxide:
The carbon monoxide reacts with the haematite, to form molten iron and carbon dioxide.
The calcium carbonate thermally decomposes to form calcium oxide and carbon dioxide:
Aluminium Extraction
The main ore of aluminium is bauxite, which consists of alumina (aluminium oxide). Aluminium is above Carbon in the reactivity series, so it must be displaced with electrolysis.
Aluminium Oxide has a high melting point, and is insoluble in water, and so is dissolved in molten cryolite, so it can be electrolysed. The cryolite is at 900 degrees, whereas molten aluminium oxide would be at 2000 degrees. This means using cryolite is cheaper and easier. The cathode is the lining of the cell, and the anodes are the large blocks dipped in the electrolyte. The electrodes are made of graphite. The molten aluminium, after forming on the cathode, sinks to the bottom, and is tapped off. The hot oxygen reacts with the electrodes, forming carbon dioxide, and so they often need replacing. This process is expensive due to the electricity needed.
The aluminium oxide consists of aluminium ions (Al3+) and oxide ions (O2-). The aluminium ions (cations) are attracted to the cathode, where they are reduced to aluminium atoms:
Al
3++ 3e
--Al
Al3+ + 3e-- Al
The oxide ions (anions) are attracted to the anodes, where they are oxidised to oxygen gas:
2O
2--O
2+ 4e
--2O2-- O2 + 4e --Uses of Iron
It is very cheap and abundant, and therefore used in lots of things:
Pig iron which is straight from the blast furnace can be moulded. If it is remelted and remoulded, it is cast iron and is very impure (4% carbon). This is very hard and brittle, and used in manhole covers and guttering.
Mild steel contains 0.25% iron, and is stronger and harder. This is used in car bodies, girders and ships.
Pure iron, also called wrought iron, is used as decorative railings, as it is soft and malleable.
If the iron is alloyed with chromium and nickel, stainless steel is formed. This protects the iron from rust and corrosion. It is used in cutlery, kitchen sinks, and in gardening tools. Uses of Aluminium
Aluminium is not very strong, and is used as an alloy, due to its low density, corrosion resistance and as it is a good conductor. It is used in aircraft (low density, corrosion resistance, strength when alloyed), saucepans (low density, corrosion resistance, high thermal conductivity); high-voltage power cables (low density; corrosion resistance; high electrical conductivity – the cables have a steel core to increase strength).
Crude Oil
Crude Oil Processing
Crude Oil is a mixture of hydrocarbons. These are simple covalently bonded molecules, with weak intermolecular forces.
Fractional distillation is used to separate crude oil into useful components (fractions). The more carbon atoms the molecule contains, the stronger the intermolecular forces and the higher its boiling point.
The crude oil is heated to around 350°C in a furnace, and the compounds in the oil enter the bottom of the fractional distillation tower as a mixture of gases. They rise up the tower, and as they do so, they cool down. When a molecule reaches a temperature below its boiling point, it condenses, turns to a liquid and falls down the tower, to be collected in a series of trays. The compounds with a similar boiling point condense in the same area, and are removed as part of the same fraction. The compounds with the lowest boiling points reach the top of the tower without condensing, and are removed as part of the refinery gases section.
There are many types of hydrocarbon – straight chain, branched chain, and ring molecules – but the carbon always forms four bonds, and the hydrogen one. Crude oil consists of mostly alkanes. Cracking
If alkane vapour is passed over a heated catalyst, it thermally decomposes. The alkane is broken down into two smaller molecules, an alkane and an alkene, or an alkene and hydrogen. If an alkane and an alkene are produced, the alkene is usually smaller. The hydrogen can be burned as a fuel to power the refinery. The catalyst is a mixture of silicon dioxide and aluminium oxide, and this is done
catalyst HEAT
C
8H
18 catalyst catalyst HEAT HEATC
6H
14+ C
2H
4 catalyst HEA T catalyst HEA TC
8H
18C
8H
16+ H
2Polymerisation
Addition
C C C C C H H H H H H H H H H C H H C C H H H H C C H H H H C C H H H H
High temperature and pressure Catalyst
The chain above shows three repeat units, with one repeat unit being a length of polymer
made from a single monomer.
Polymers:
Name Monomer Repeat Unit Notes, Uses, and
Properties
Poly(ethene) Ethene Also called polythene,
and is used to make plastic bags, carrier bottles and packaging.
Poly(propene) Propene Commonly called
polypropylene, it is used to make ropes, crates, and many other items.
Poly(chloroethene) Chloroethene Commonly called PVC, it is the strong rigid material used to make doors, window frames and drainpipes.
H3C C C CH3 CH3 redraw C C CH3 H CH3 CH3 C C CH3 CH3 H CH3 polymerise 2-methylbut-2-ene poly(2-methylbut-2-ene) H
To find the monomer from which a polymer is made, isolate two adjacent carbon atoms, and then replace the C=C double bond.
C C C C C C CH3 H CH3 H CH3 H Cl H Cl H Cl H is made from C C CH3 H Cl H
The name of a polymer is always poly followed by the name of monomer in brackets e.g.
ethene goes to poly(ethene)
Condensation Polymerisation
A condensation reaction can be used to join many monomers to form a polymer, and this reaction differs from addition reactions as different monomers are used.
If one monomer contains an –OH group, and the other contains an –H, these combine to form water. The remainders of the monomers join to form the condensation polymer.
Polyamides
One of the most important condensation polymers is nylon, which is used in ropes, carpets and clothing. Nylon is a polyamide, which is made from a carboxylic acid (-COOH) and an amine (-NH2). Each of the monomers is double ended, which lets them join together alternately by forming an amide link (-CONH-) to make the polymer. This can be seen below, with the central portion of the monomers being represented by a block:
C OH O C O H O N H H N H H C O N H C O N H O H H
+
PolyestersC OH O C O H O O H O H C O O C O O O H H
+
Polyesters such as terylene are used to manufacture material for clothing.
O H C2H4 OH HOOC C6H4 COOH
+
C O C6H4 C O O C2H4 O O H H+
Chemical Manufacture
The Haber Process
This is the combination of hydrogen and nitrogen to make ammonia.
N
2(g)+ 3H
2(g)2NH
3(g)N2(g) + 3H2(g) 2NH3(g)
The hydrogen is obtained by reacted methane with steam, or by cracking hydrocarbons:
Ni
CH
4(g)+ H
2O
(g) Ni NiCO
(g)+ 3H
2(g) Ni CH4(g) + H2O(g) Ni Ni CO(g) + 3H2(g) heat cataly stC
10H
22 heat heat cataly st cataly stC
10H
20+ H
2 heat cataly st C 10H22 heat heat cataly st cataly st C10H20 + H2The nitrogen is obtained from the air.
The hydrogen and nitrogen are fed into the reaction vessel in the ratio of 3:1 respectively. The reaction is reversible: