Alkanes

Question 1

State the general formula for alkanes.

Answer 1

CnH2n+2

Question 2

Describe the test that can be done to distinguish between a sample of propane and a sample of propene.

Answer 2

• Mix sample with bromine water
• bromine water is orange
• when mixed with an alkene, it turns colorless
• when mixed with an alkane, no color change occurs

Question 3

How are alkanes classified, and why are they considered saturated hydrocarbons?

Answer 3

Alkanes are classified as saturated hydrocarbons because they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms.

Question 4

Describe the difference between saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, and give an example of each

Answer 4

Saturated hydrocarbons contain only single bonds between carbon atoms, such as alkanes. Unsaturated hydrocarbons contain a carbon-carbon double or triple bond, such as alkenes.

Question 5

How do alkanes react with halogens in the presence of UV radiation?

Answer 5

• Alkanes undergo a substitution reaction with halogens in the presence of UV radiation.
• One atom in the alkane is swapped with a halogen atom, leading to the formation of halogenoalkanes or haloalkanes.

Question 6

What are some uses of halogenoalkanes?

Answer 6

Halogenoalkanes have many uses, including as solvents, refrigerants, propellants, and pharmaceuticals.