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The alkanes
Methane (CH4) Draw a dot and cross diagram to represent the bonding shown here. What shape are the bonds around the carbon atom? Why?
Ethane (C2H6) Draw a dot and cross diagram for ethane. What shape will the bonds take around each carbon atom now?
Propane (C3H8)
Butane (C4H10)
The Alkanes: molecular formula or displayed formula? Methane CH4 Ethane C2H6 Propane C3H8 Butane C4H10 Pentane C5H12 Hexane C6H14 Octane C8H18
The alkanes CnH2n + 2 Methane CH4 Ethane C2H6 Propane C3H8 General formula Methane CH4 Ethane C2H6 Propane C3H8 Butane C4H10 Pentane C5H12 Hexane C6H14 Octane C8H18 Homologous series: Same general formula, similar chemical properties but a graduation in physical properties
You have to be able to explain this The alkanes CnH2n + 2 General formula COPY! Methane CH4 Ethane C2H6 Propane C3H8 Butane C4H10 Pentane C5H12 Hexane C6H14 Octane C8H18 You have to be able to explain this Generally unreactive, but burn exothermically. Longer chains burn less easily.
Structural formulae
Alkanes are saturated compounds No double bonds
Why does this have lower boiling point? Isomers Same molecular formula, but different structures (arrangement of atoms) Name of this? Name? Why does this have lower boiling point?
Isomers Draw out pentane. How many other isomers can you draw? Stretch yourself – can you name them?
Reactions of the Alkanes Combustion Chlorination
Combustion
Combustion Hydrocarbons combust well. What does this mean? What do you predict the products are of this reaction? They burn producing carbon dioxide and water Write a word equation for this reaction, then try a chemical equation For example, with methane: CH4 + 2O2 CO2 + 2H2O
Incomplete combustion How do you think this reaction is different? What do you think the products are this time? Why is this reaction so dangerous? Who should be careful? Hurricane Ike link
Incomplete combustion When there is insufficient oxygen, carbon monoxide is also formed It reduces the blood’s oxygen carrying capability
Chlorination of Methane Video link
Chlorination of Methane Alkanes react with chlorine in sunlight: CH4 + Cl2 CH3Cl + HCl How would you describe this reaction? A chlorine atom takes the place of a hydrogen atom = substitution reaction. What would happen if lots more chlorine was present?