Alkanes

Question 1

what are alkanes?

Answer 1

a homologous series of saturated hydrocarbons

Question 2

general formula of alkanes?

Answer 2

CnH2n+2

Question 3

reactivity of alkanes?

Answer 3

very unreactive, although do burn and react with halogens

Question 4

how does length of alkane affect boiling point? why?

Answer 4

longer carbon chain = higher b.p.
because stronger van der Waals’ forces

Question 5

isomers of alkanes can have branched chains- how does this affect the boiling point? why?

Answer 5

more branched chains = lower b.p.
because have weaker van der Waals’ forces (molecules can’t pack as close)