Alkanes Flashcards
What is an alkane?
A saturated hydrocarbon containing C and H bonds only
What is the general formula for an alkane?
CnH2n+2
Are alkanes bonds polar? Why?
They are non polar because hydrogen and carbon have similar electronegativities
What is the shape and angle of an alkane?
Tetrahedral 109.5 degrees
Describe the sigma bond in an alkane.
A covalent bond which has a direct overlap of the electron clouds of the bonding atoms
What type of intermolecular forces do alkanes have?
London forces because they are non polar
What happens to the boiling point as alkane chain length increases? Why?
The bp increases because there is more surface area and so more induced dipole-dipole interaction
Does a branched molecule have a lower or higher boiling point compared to equivalent straight chain? Why?
Lower bp because of the fewer surface area so less induced dipole-dipole interactions
Are alkanes soluble in water? Why?
Insoluble because hydrogen bonds in water are stronger than alkanes’ London forces
How reactive are alkanes?
Very unreactive
What reactions will alkanes undergo?
Combustion and reaction with halogens
What is complete combustion?
Combustion that occurs with plentiful of oxygen
What are the products of complete combustion?
CO2 and H2O
What is incomplete combsution?
Combustion in a limited supply of oxygen
What are the products formed in incomplete combustion?
H2O, CO2 and CO