Comparison General formula Functional group Typical Chemical reactions ALKANES CnH2n+2 C-C Saturated hydrocarbon Combustion Note:

Complete and incomplete combustion Substitution Reactions (Chain reaction) 1. Reaction with Halogens (Bromination) a) Reaction with bromine: Pass alkane into bromine solution Conditions: In the presence of sunlight or UV light. Overall rxn: CH4 + 4Br2 CBr4 + 4HBr Tetrabromomethane ALKENES CnH2n C=C Unsaturated hydrocarbon Combustion higher C : H ratio, burns with sootier flame Note: Complete and incomplete combustion Addition reactions a) Reaction with bromine Conditions: In the absence (in the dark) or presence of sunlight or UV light. Overall rxn: C2H4 + Br2 C2H4Br2 Dibromoethane

Involves a Chain reaction: CH4 + Br2 CH3Br + Monosubstituted CH2Br2 + Disubstituted HBr

HH H-C=C-H

Br2

CH3Br + Br2

HBr

(unsaturated reactant)

H H H-C - C-H Br Br (a saturated product)

CH2Br2 + Br2

CHBr3 + HBr Trisubstituted CBr4 + HBr Tetrasubstituted

Bromine adds across the C=C bond to form a saturated compound. Observations: i) reddish brown bromine decolourises rapidly. NB. No acidic fumes and only one product is formed.

CHBr3 + Br2

(Chlorination) CH4 + 4Cl2 CCl4 + 4HCl (acidic gas)

Observations: i) reddish brown bromine decolourises. NB. In dim light or diffused light, rate of reaction is slow, bromine decolourises slowly. ii) White fumes of HBr gas formed turned moist blue litmus red.

ALKANES No reaction e.g. C2H4 + H2 C2H6 ethane H H H-C - C-H H H

ALKENES

2. Reaction with hydrogen (Hydrogenation)

HH H-C=C-H + H2

Hydrogen adds across the C=C bond to form a saturated hydrocarbon.

Conditions: Pass hydrogen and ethene over nickel/platinum catalyst at 1500C. NB: Reaction used in the manufacture of margarine from polyunsaturated oils. No reaction 3. Reaction with steam (Hydration)

a) Industrial manufacture of Alcohol e.g. C2H4 + H2O C2H5OH ethanol H H H- C - C-H H O-H

HH H-C=C-H + H2O

Water adds across the C=C bond to form an alcohol.

Conditions: Pass steam over phosphoric acid, H3PO4, catalyst at 3000C and at a pressure of 70 atm.