Properties of alkane Flashcards
Why are cycloalkanes different
have the general formula CnH2n
What shapes are alkanes around a carbon atom
Tetrahedral
Why do alkanes have a specific shape
Bonds repel each other equally
Bonds contain electrons so they will want to be as far apart as possible
What happens as the molecule/atom gets bigger
The more induced dipole-dipole forces as you have larger electron cloud
What does no branching mean
Molecules can pack closer together leading to more surface contact
What are we breaking when we boil a liquid
Breaking the weak induced dipole-dipole not covalent bond
What does a longer straight chain hydrocarbon mean for the boiling point
Have more induced dipole-dipole forces so more energy needed to overcome these forces. BP increases.
What does a branched hydrocarbon mean for the boiling point
Can’t pack together as close.Weakens the dipole-dipole forces between the chains and lowers BP
What does complete combustion of alkane produce
Carbon dioxide and water
What are alkanes used for
Good fuels as they burn readily producing large amount of energy
What does incomplete combustion of alkanes produce
Carbon dioxide
Carbon (soot) - creates breathing problems
why is carbon monoxide dangerous and how do we remove it
Poisonous as it bonds to haemoglobin in the blood and prevents oxygen bonding. Can be removed by using a catalytic converter
Give the meaning of the term nucleophile
Electron pain donor
