Alkane Reactions and Properties

This page delves into the characteristic reactions of alkanes and their physical properties. Various reaction types are presented, including combustion, decarboxylation, and halogenation.

The combustion reaction of alkanes with oxygen is shown, producing carbon dioxide and water. This reaction is fundamental to understanding the role of alkanes as fuels.

Example: 2C + 3H2 → CH4 (methane formation)

Decarboxylation of sodium acetate is presented, demonstrating the formation of methane and sodium carbonate. The reaction of aluminum carbide with water to produce methane is also explained.

Halogenation reactions of alkanes are illustrated, showing the substitution of hydrogen atoms with halogens like bromine and chlorine.

Highlight: The reactivity of alkanes increases with the complexity of their structure, influencing reaction rates and products.

The page also touches on the relationship between chain length and physical properties, noting that longer carbon chains correlate with higher boiling and melting points.

Vocabulary: Isomerism in alkanes is introduced, showing how different structural arrangements can lead to compounds with the same molecular formula but different properties.

Alkene Reactions and Markovnikov's Rule

This page focuses on the characteristic reactions of alkenes, emphasizing addition reactions and important rules governing their outcomes. The Zaitsev's Rule and Markovnikov's Rule are introduced as key concepts in predicting reaction products.

Definition: Zaitsev's Rule states that hydrogen is removed from the carbon atom with fewer hydrogen atoms, while Markovnikov's Rule predicts that hydrogen adds to the carbon atom with more hydrogen atoms in addition reactions.

The page outlines various reaction types for alkenes, including substitution, addition, and elimination. Specific examples are provided for each reaction type:

1. Dehydrohalogenation of haloalkanes to form alkenes
2. Addition of water to alkenes (hydration)
3. Addition of hydrogen halides to alkenes
4. Halogenation of alkenes

Example: The addition of HCl to an alkene following Markovnikov's Rule: CH3-CH=CH-CH2-CH3 + HCl → CH3-CH(Cl)-CH2-CH2-CH3

The page also covers the hydration of alkenes in the presence of catalysts, demonstrating the formation of alcohols. This reaction is particularly important in industrial processes.

Highlight: Understanding these reaction mechanisms is crucial for predicting products in organic synthesis and comprehending the behavior of alkenes in various chemical environments.