Carbon chemistry - AQA SynergyProperties of fractions

Pure carbon can be found as diamond, graphite, fullerenes and graphene. Crude oil is made from hydrocarbons which can be processed to make a variety of fuels and other useful products.

Part ofCombined ScienceGuiding Spaceship Earth towards a sustainable future

Properties of fractions

Each contains a of . The hydrocarbons in a fraction are mostly hydrocarbons called . They have similar (but not identical):

  • numbers of hydrogen and carbon atoms in their
  • ease of

For example, the gases fraction contains hydrocarbons with one to four carbon atoms. These:

  • have boiling points below room temperature
  • are very
  • have a low viscosity

The hydrocarbons in different fractions differ in these properties. For example, the bitumen fraction contains hydrocarbons with more than 35 carbon atoms. These have:

  • boiling points well above room temperature
  • are very difficult to ignite
  • have a high viscosity

Hydrocarbon can undergo or , depending on the amount of oxygen available.

Complete combustion

Complete combustion of a hydrocarbon fuel happens when there is a good supply of air. Carbon and hydrogen atoms in the fuel react with oxygen and are in an reaction:

  • and water are produced
  • the maximum amount of is given out

In a Bunsen burner, this occurs when the air hole is fully open.

Sections of a Bunsen burner blue flame
Figure caption,
A Bunsen burner blue flame

In general:

hydrocarbon + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

Here are the equations for the complete combustion of propane, used in bottled gas:

propane + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

C3H8 + 5O2 → 3CO2 + 4H2O

Question

Write a word and balanced symbol equation for the complete combustion of methane, CH4, found in natural gas.