4.1.2 Alkanes Flashcards
What is an alkane?
A saturated hydrocarbon containing C-H bonds only
What is the general formula of an alkane?
CnH2n+2
Are alkane bonds polar? Why/why not?
Non polar because carbon and hydrogen have similar electronegativities
What is the shape and angle of an alkane?
Tetrahedral 109.5
Describe the σ (sigma) bond in alkane?
The sigma bond is a covalent bond which has a direct overlap of the electron clouds of the bonding atoms
What type of intermolecular forces do alkanes have? Why?
London forces
Induced dipole dipole interaction, because the bonds are nonpolar
What happens to the boiling point when the alkane chain length increases?
The boiling point increases because there is more surface area and so more number of induced dipole dipole interaction. Therefore more energy is required to overcome the attraction
Does a branched molecule have a higher or lower boiling point compared to equivalent straight chain? Why?
The branched molecule has a lower boiling point because they have fewer surface area and hence less induced dipole-dipole interactions
Are alkanes soluable in water? Why?
Insoluable because hydrogen bonds in water are stronger than alkanes’ London forces of attraction
How reactive are alkanes?
Very unreactive
What reactions will alkanes undergo?
Combustion and reaction with halogens
What type of reaction is combustion?
An exothermic oxidation reaction
What is complete combustion?
Combustion that occurs with plentiful supply of air
What are the products of complete combustion when alkanes are used?
Carbon dioxide and water
What is the colour of the Bunsen burner flame during complete combustion?
Blue
What is incomplete combustion and what products are formed in the case of alkanes?
Combustion in a limited supply of oxygen
To produce water, carbon monoxide and soot
What type of hydrocarbon are most likely to undergo incomplete combustion?
Longer chains
What is the environmental impact of carbon monoxide?
It’s toxic/poisonous
What is the environmental impact of soot?
Asthma, cancer, global warming
How are halogenoalkanes formed from alkanes?
Radical substitution
In the presence of what does alkane react with halogens?
UV light
What are the three stages of free radical substitution?
Initiation -breaking halogen bond to form free radicals
Propagation -chain part of the reaction where products are formed but free radical remains
Termination -free radicals removed stable products formed
