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Chapter 11: Problem 10

Describe reactions that are characteristic of alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Alkanes tend to undergo substitution reactions, with halogenation being most common. Alkenes and alkynes typically undergo addition reactions, with hydrogenation being a common reaction for alkenes and hydrohalogenation for alkynes.

Step by step solution

01

Alkanes Reactions

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons (contain only single bonds) and have the general formula \(C_nH_{2n+2}\). Their reactions are characterized by substitution reactions, particularly under extreme conditions of temperature or pressure. A well-known reaction of this type is the halogenation of alkanes, where a hydrogen atom is replaced by a halogen atom (\(X_2\) where \(X\) is a halogen). This occurs under photolytic conditions. For example, methane reacting with chlorine: \[CH_4 + Cl_2 \xrightarrow{h\nu} CH_3Cl + HCl\]
02

Alkenes Reactions

Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain a carbon-carbon double bond, and have the general formula \(C_nH_{2n}\). Alkenes commonly undergo addition reactions, due to the presence of a double bond. A typical reaction is the hydrogenation of alkenes, where a molecule of hydrogen is added across the carbon-carbon double bond under the action of a catalyst. For example, ethene reacting with hydrogen: \[C_2H_4 + H_2 \xrightarrow{Ni} C_2H_6\]
03

Alkynes Reactions

Alkynes are hydrocarbons that contain a carbon-carbon triple bond, having the general formula \(C_nH_{2n-2}\). Alkynes typically undergo addition reactions, similar to alkenes, because they have essentially two pi bonds. A common reaction is the hydrohalogenation of alkynes, where a halogen acid is added across the carbon-carbon triple bond, producing a vinyl halide. For example, acetylene reacting with hydrogen chloride: \[C_2H_2 + HCl \xrightarrow{} CH_2=CHCl\]

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Draw one possible structure for molecules with these formulas: (a) \(\mathrm{CH}_{4} \mathrm{O},\) (b) \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O},\) (c) \(\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}_{2}\), (d) \(\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{8} \mathrm{O}\)

Explain why carbon is able to form so many more compounds than most other elements.

Predict products when \(\mathrm{HBr}\) is added to (a) 1 -butene and (b) 2 -butene.

Give examples of a chiral substituted alkane and an achiral substituted alkane.

Write structures for the compounds shown below: (a) 1-bromo-3-methylbenzene, (b) 1-chloro-2-propylbenzene, (c) 1,2,4,5 -tetramethylbenzene.
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