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Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are compounds which contain carbon and hydrogen only . The two families of hydrocarbons which we will explore are : - the alkanes - the alkenes
Alkanes
The alkanes have general formula CnH2n+2
This reaction is carried out : 1. In the presence of ultraviolet light or 2. At temperatures of 200oC The reaction also occurs with bromine although with less vigour
Alkenes
Alkenes are hydrocarbons which contain one carbon to carbon double bond C=C The double bonds means that alkenes are unsaturated . They can hold more atoms therefore they undergo addition reactions .
Reactions
Hydrogenation Halogenation Hydration Hydrohalogenation Combustion
Like alkanes , alkenes will burn in air to form carbon dioxide and water .
C2H4 + 3O2 2CO2 + 2H2O
Hydrogenation
Alkenes will add hydrogen gas to form the alkane . C2H4 (g) + H2 (g) C2H6 (g)
This reaction is carried out at 200oC over a metal catalyst , usually nickel .
Margarine manufacture Some margarine is made by hydrogenating carbon-carbon double bonds in animal or vegetable fats and oils. You can recognize the presence of this in foods because the ingredients list will include words showing that it contains "hydrogenated vegetable oils" or "hydrogenated fats".
Halogenation Alkenes will add the halogen to form the alkyl halide . C2H4 (g) + Br2 (l) C2H4Br2 (l)
This reaction is carried out at room temperature . This is the qualitative test for alkenes , the ease at which bromine in a solvent is decolourized .
The bromine is usually in a non-polar solvent such as carbon tetrachloride CCl4 Aqueous bromine , bromine water can be used . The colour would go from red-brown to colourless .
Hydration Alkenes will add water to form the alcohol . C2H4 (g) + H2 O (l) C2H5OH (l)
Hydrohalogenation
Alkenes will add hydrogen halide to form the alkyl halide . C2H4 (g) + HBr (g) C2H5Br (g)
Alkenes also undergo oxidation . The reactions are not necessary to be taught at this stage . The products could be : - the diol - the carboxylic acid - the aldehyde / ketone
Combustion
With Bromine
Produces CO2 and H2O Slow rxn and at high temperature No rxn