Alkanes

Question 1

Give the definition of a functional group

Answer 1

Part of a compound responsible for the chemical reactions

Question 2

What is the definition for alkanes?

Answer 2

Naturally occurring hydrocarbons formed from crude oil

Question 3

What reaction is most common for alkanes due to their unreactivity?

Answer 3

Combustion reactions

Question 4

Give the definition of a sigma bond

Answer 4

A bond formed by the lengthways overlap of orbitals directly between two bonding atoms

Question 5

Is a sigma bond covalent?

Answer 5

Yes

Question 6

What are the strongest type of covalent bond?

Answer 6

C-C and C-H bonds, have a high bond enthalphy, are sigma bonds

Question 7

What is the equation for complete combustion of alkanes?

Answer 7

Alkane + Oxygen —> Carbon Dioxide + Water
When there is an excess supply of oxygen

Question 8

What is the equation for incomplete combustion of alkanes?

Answer 8

Alkane + Oxygen —> Carbon Monoxide + Water
OR
Alkane + Oxygen —> Carbon + Hydrogen
Both when there is a limited supply of oxygen

Question 9

Is it possible to see CO2 and C or CO in an incomplete combustion equation?

Answer 9

Yes - mostly seen in MCQs

Question 10

Why is CO a toxic gas?

Answer 10

CO bonds to haemoglobin which reduces blood oxygen concentration