Chapter 12 Flashcards
How reactive are alkanes? Why?
Alkanes are very unreactive due to the strong and non-polar C-C and C-H bonds
Why are alkanes a good fuel?
The combustion of alkanes is very exothermic
What is produced in incomplete combustion of alkanes?
CO(g) or C(s)
Give 3 reasons why incomplete combustion is bad?
- Less energy per mole is released
- Carbon monoxide is toxic
- Carbon particles are respiratory irritants/ carcinogenic and cause global dimming
When do Alkanes react with halogens?
Under UV light
What occurs during a reaction between a alkane and a halogen?
The hydrogen atoms on the alkane is replaced with Halogen atoms
What type of reaction is the reaction between an alkane and a halogen?
A substitution reaction
What is formed during a reaction between an alkane and a halogen?
A haloalkane and a hydrogen halide
What does the reaction mechanism involve for the halogenation of alkane?
Radical substitution
What are the tree stages of the mechanism for the halogenation of alkanes?
The mechanism takes place in three stages: initiation, propagation and termination
What occurs during the mechanism Initiation step?
A molecules absorbs UV light, homolytic fission occurs and radicals form
Is Initiation endo or exothermic?
Endothermic as only bonds are breaking
What occurs during the mechanism Propagation step?
Radicals react with molecules forming new radicals and molecules
What type of reaction is the Propagation phase?
A chain reaction
What occurs during the mechanism Termination step?
Radicals combine, forming a stable molecule
Is the termination step exo or endothermic?
Exothermic as only bond making occurs
How do you create the final equation after a halogenation of alkanes reaction?
Cancel the same molecules on either side of the equation
What are the 3 limitations of radical substitution in organic synthesis?
- Further substitution
- Substitution at different positions in a carbon chain
- Reactions produce a mixture of products
What are alkanes?
Saturated Hydrocarbons
What is the general formula for alkanes?
CnH2n+2
When do alkanes show chain isomerism?
In a chain
When do alkane chains show isomerism?
When its a chain with 4 or more Carbon atoms
What bonds are present between the Carbon atoms in an alkane?
A single SIGMA bond. (Covalent bond)
What is a SIGMA bond?
A sigma bond is a head on overlap of the p-orbitals, one from each carbon atom.