Structure and properties of alkanes:

Question 1

Are alkanes non polar or polar?

Answer 1

= non polar
= little difference between carbon and hydrogen atoms
=

Question 2

What is the first property of alkanes?

Answer 2

= insoluble in water
= cannot form hydrogen bonds with water

Question 3

Are alkanes reactive?

Answer 3

= unreactive
= due to strong covalent bonds
=

Question 4

What are the boiling points of alkanes?

Answer 4

= shorter chains- low
= longer chains- high
= vanderwall forces=

Question 5

Why do branched chained alkanes have a lower boiling point than straight chain alkanes?

Answer 5

= branched prevents alkanes molecules getting close togeter
= vanderwsll forces are strongest at shortest distance.