Chemical reactions of alkanes

Question 1

Why do alkanes have lower reactivity

Answer 1

1. Strong sigma bonds between c-c and c-h
2. C-C bonds are not polar and C-H (electronegativity is very similar)

Question 2

Reactions of alkanes with halogens

Answer 2

• UV light provides the initial reaction to take place

Question 3

What is homolytic fission?

Answer 3

• The breaking of a covalent bond
• with one of the bonded electron going to each atom
• forming two radicals

Question 4

What are the limitations of radical substitution

Answer 4

• Further substitution
• substitution at different positions in the hydrocarbon chain.