This week post is about Organic Chemistry : 3 reactions of alkanes SUMMARY.
First reaction
Combustion:
Complete Combustion: In the presence of excess oxygen, alkanes burn to produce carbon dioxide (CO₂) and water (H₂O). This is a highly exothermic reaction, releasing a large amount of heat. Examples of complete combustion include the burning of methane or butane, commonly used as fuels in stoves and heaters. This reaction is also efficient, producing no harmful byproducts.
Incomplete Combustion: When oxygen is limited, alkanes produce carbon monoxide (CO) or even carbon (soot) along with water. Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas and can be very dangerous when inhaled in enclosed spaces. Incomplete combustion also produces less energy compared to complete combustion, and the carbon produced as soot can cause air pollution.
Second reaction.
Halogenation (Substitution Reaction):
In the presence of UV light or heat, alkanes react with halogens (like chlorine or bromine) to form haloalkanes. A hydrogen atom in the alkane is replaced by a halogen atom. For example, methane reacts with chlorine to form chloromethane in a substitution reaction, often used in the production of pesticides and solvents. Further substitution can occur, leading to the formation of more substituted products like dichloromethane, trichloromethane, etc. Halogenation reactions are widely used in the chemical industry to make important compounds used in solvents and refrigerants.
Third reaction.
Cracking:
This is a process where larger alkane molecules are broken down into smaller alkanes and alkenes (unsaturated hydrocarbons).
Cracking is vital in the oil refining industry.
Conditions: 400-500 degrees Celsius, aluminium oxide or silicon dioxide as a catalyst. It helps in the production of fuels such as petrol and chemical feedstocks like ethene, which are essential for creating plastics and various everyday products.
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