Alkanes

Question 1

what are alkanes?

Answer 1

hydrocarbons that fit the general formula CnH2n+n

Question 2

what are alkanes made of?

Answer 2

simple molecules containing carbon and hydrogen atoms held together by covalent bonds

Question 3

methane molecular and structural formula

Answer 3

molecular: CH4
structural: CH4

Question 4

ethane molecular and structural formula

Answer 4

molecular: C2H6
structural: CH3CH3

Question 5

propane molecular and structural formula

Answer 5

molecular: C3H8
structural: CH3CH2CH3

Question 6

butane molecular and structural formula

Answer 6

molecular: C4H10
structural: CH3CH2CH2CH3

Question 7

pentane molecular and structural formula

Answer 7

molecular: C5H12
structural: CH3CH2CH2CH2CH3

Question 8

what does saturated mean?

Answer 8

when there are only single bonds between the carbon atoms

Question 9

what reactions do alkanes burn in?

Answer 9

combustion reactions - in a good supply of oxygen

Question 10

alkanes reaction with halogens

Answer 10

• chlorine and bromine react with alkanes in the presence of UV light
• in these reactions a hydrogen atom from the alkane is substituted with chlorine or bromine - this is a substitution reaction
• this reaction would work with any alkane and any halogen