Lesson 1Naphthenes (cycloalkanes): structures (cyclohexane, methylcyclopentane), occurrence in naphtha/kerosene, uses and effects on fuel propertiesLooks at ring alkane builds and shapes, key on cyclohexane and methylcyclopentane. Checks their spots in naphtha and kerosene, refinery make paths, and sway on weight, knock strength, and smoke start.
Cycloalkane structures and conformationsCyclohexane and methylcyclopentane examplesOccurrence in naphtha and kerosene cutsRefinery processes forming naphthenesEffects on octane, density and smoke pointLesson 2Olefins (alkenes): sources (cracking units), examples (ethylene, propylene, butenes), reactivity, impact on stability and polymer feedstock useChecks olefin builds, spots from crack units, and cases like ethylene, propylene and butenes. Talks high change quick, gum and build-up make, and worth as polymer and chemical starts.
Structural features of olefins and isomersSteam and fluid catalytic cracking sourcesEthylene, propylene and butenes examplesReactivity, oxidation and gum formationPolymer and petrochemical feedstock rolesLesson 3Isoparaffins (branched alkanes): structural features, examples (iso-octane), origin in fractions and catalytic reforming, importance for gasoline octaneKey on split paraffins, their branch builds and cases like iso-octane. Tells make in split shape and reform units, and why they sit central to high-knock, low-bang petrol mixes.
Structural features of branched alkanesIso-octane as an octane reference fuelIsomerization and reforming formation pathsVolatility and combustion of isoparaffinsUse in premium and reformulated gasolinesLesson 4Paraffins (n-alkanes): general formula, representative molecules (n-pentane, n-octane), refinery sources and major usesStarts normal paraffins, their main rule, and kin series. Checks key bits like n-pentane and n-octane, their boil spans, refinery spots, and parts in petrol, kerosene, diesel and wax flows.
General formula and homologous series conceptPhysical trends across n-alkane seriesRepresentative n-pentane and n-octane usesRefinery units producing normal paraffinsRoles in gasoline, diesel and wax productsLesson 5Cetane number fundamentals: molecular features that raise or lower cetane and relevance to diesel ignition qualityLooks into cetane count as diesel start good mark, tying build shape to start wait. Talks normal paraffins, splits, rings, aromatics, and adds, plus test ways and usual rule spans.
Definition and significance of cetane numberNormal paraffins and high cetane behaviorBranching, rings, aromatics and low cetaneCetane improver additives and treat ratesEngine and CFR test methods for cetaneLesson 6Analytical methods for molecular-class determination: GC, simulated distillation (SIMDIS), PIONA analysis (Paraffins, Isoparaffins, Olefins, Naphthenes, Aromatics)Tells check ways for finding hydrocarbon classes in fuels. Matches GC, fake boil, and PIONA check, key on rules, outs, sharp limits, and how finds guide mix picks.
Gas chromatography principles and columnsSimulated distillation for boiling profilesPIONA methodology and class separationData interpretation for refinery blendingLimitations, calibration and quality controlLesson 7Other property correlations: flash point, viscosity, hydrogen content, and how molecular structure controls theseJoins build shape to flash point, thickness, hydrogen hold and tied safe and work traits. Shows how chain size, splits, and ring smell shape handle, burn good, and smoke.
Flash point trends with volatility and cutsViscosity versus chain length and shapeHydrogen to carbon ratio and emissionsLubricity, wear and molecular structureSpecification limits and property tradeoffsLesson 8Functional relationships: how chain length affects volatility, boiling point, and vapor pressureMakes clear how hydrocarbon chain size rules fade quick, boil point, and steam push. Ties between-bit pulls and face space to phase acts, boil curves, cold flow, and fade loss in fuels.
Intermolecular forces in hydrocarbon chainsBoiling point trends with carbon numberVapor pressure and volatility relationshipsImpact on distillation curves and cut pointsCold flow, evaporation loss and safetyLesson 9Aromatics: benzene, toluene, xylenes — structure, formation routes, distribution in crude fractions, role as petrochemical feedstocks and octane contributorsDetails smell hydrocarbons like benzene, toluene and xylenes, their builds and make paths. Checks spread over crude parts, parts as knock lift, and big role as chemical starts.
Benzene, toluene and xylene ring structuresFormation in reforming and pyrolysis unitsDistribution in naphtha and heavier cutsOctane contribution in gasoline blendingPetrochemical and solvent applicationsLesson 10Branching vs straight chain: influence on octane number and volatility; use of Research Octane Number (RON) and Motor Octane Number (MON) conceptsChecks how splits vs straight chains hit knock count, fade quick, and bang fight. Tells RON and MON names, test states, feel quick, and how fuel plan weighs drive ease and work.
Straight chains and low octane behaviorBranching patterns and octane enhancementVolatility changes with branching degreeDefinitions of RON, MON and sensitivityFuel design using RON and MON targetsLesson 11Rings and aromaticity: influence on density, energy content, soot tendency, and octane; effects on cetane number for dieselChecks ring setups and smell pull, tying to weight, power hold, soot lean, and knock. Matches smells and ring alkanes, and tells their oppose hits on petrol knock and diesel start.
Aromaticity criteria and ring stabilizationDensity and volumetric energy relationshipsOctane enhancement by aromatics in gasolineSoot and particulate formation tendenciesEffects on diesel cetane and ignition delay
