1. Physical Properties of Alkanes

2. Physical Properties of Alkanes
1. alkanes are insoluble in water
Alkanes that are liquid are less dense and float on water
Alkane molecules are nonpolar; water molecules are polar

3. 2. alkanes have lower boiling points than other organic compounds of similar size and weight
The greater the molecular surface area, the greater the attractive forces between molecules
Boiling point increases as the number of carbons in the molecule increases
Boiling point decreases as branching increases

4. To determine boiling point:
1. look at the molecular formula
2. draw the structure
3. determine the order of boiling points