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An informed understanding of chemistry is achieved not only through conveying the theory, but
including appropriate equations. Wherever possible, quoting appropriate equations will do not any
harm. In some cases, heat of reaction is also included because it is also helpful. This can be an actual
number, or just +ve/-ve. Some specific equations, however, where you chose what you studied e.g.
dry cell, Ive only catered for those Ive done myself. Some equations are also templates.
KEY
Nice to know and quote to look smart
Good to know and should be quoted wherever appropriate
Absolutely essential
PRODUCTION OF MATERIALS
Catalytic cracking (example: decane)
C10H22 C8H18 + C2H4
Hydration of ethylene
C2H4(g)+H2O(l)-(dilute H2SO4 or H3PO4) C2H5OH(l)
Dehydration of ethanol
C2H5OH(l) -(conc. H2SO4) C2H4(g) + H2O(l)
Fermentation of glucose
C6H12O6(aq) -(yeast, 37C, anaerobic) 2 C2H5OH(l) + 2 CO2(g)
Combustion of ethanol
C2H5OH(l) + 3 O2(g) 2 CO2(g) + 3 H2O(l) = -1367kJ mol-1
Gratzell cell
Anode: Dye Dye+ + e-
Reaction inside cell: 2 Dye+ + 3 I- I3- + 2 Dye
Cathode: I3- + 2 e- 3 I-
Ionisation of acids
Strong: HCl(g) + H2O(l) -> H3O+ + Cl-
Weak: CH3COOH(aq) + H2O(l) H3O+ + CH3COO-
Acid-base theories
Davy: Acid + Metal -> Salt + Hydrogen
Arrhenius: Acid + Base -> Water + Salt | Chemical + Water -> H+ + Chemical
Self-ionisation of water
2 H2O(l) H3O+ + OH-
Esterification
Alkanol + Alkanoic acid -(conc. H2SO4)-> Ester + Water
Deactivation of radicals
Deactivating chlorine: Cl(g) + CH4(g) -> HCl(g) + CH3(g) [Harmless radical]
Deactivating chlorine oxide: ClO(g) + NO2(g) -> ClONO2(g)
INDUSTRIAL CHEMISTRY
Contact process
Combustion of sulfur: S(l) + O2(g) -> SO2(g) = -ve
Catalytic oxidation of sulfur dioxide: 2 SO2(g) + O2(g) 2 SO3(g) H = -ve
Absorption of sulfur trioxide: SO3(g) + H2SO4(l) -> H2S2O7(l)
Dilution of oleum: H2S2O7(l) + H2O(l) -> 2 H2SO4(l)
Mercury cell
Cathode: Na+ + e- -> Na(in Hg)
Anode: 2 Cl- -> Cl2(g) -> 2 e-
Sodium hydroxide chamber: 2 Na(in Hg) + 2 H2O(l) -> 2 NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
Overall equation: 2 NaCl(aq) + 2 H2O(l) -> Cl2(g) + NaOH(aq) + H2(g)
Saponification
Oil/Fat + Sodium hydroxide -> Soap + Glycerol
Solvay Process
Brine purification: Mg2+ + 2 OH- -> Mg(OH)2(s) | Ca2+ + CO32- -> CaCO3(s)
Decomposition of limestone: CaCO3(s) -(Heat)-> CaO(s) + CO2(g)
Production of slaked lime: CaO(s) + H2O(l) -> Ca(OH)2(aq)
Solvay tower reaction: NaCl(aq) + CO2(g) + NH3(aq) + H2O(l) -> NH4Cl(aq) + NaHCO3(s)
Desired product: 2 NaHCO3(s) -(heat)-> Na2CO3(s) + H2O(l) + CO2(g)
Ammonia recovery: NH4Cl(aq) + Ca(OH)2(aq) -> NH3(aq) + CaCl2(aq) + H2O(l)
Overall reaction: CaCO3(s) + 2 NaCl(aq) -> Na2CO3(s) + CaCl2(aq)