Alkanes are organic compounds that consist of single-bonded carbon and hydrogen atoms. The formula for Alkanes is CnH2n+2, subdivided into three groups – chain alkanes, cycloalkanes, and the branched alkanes.
Course Contents
- Alkanes (exemplified by ethane)
- (i) free-radical substitution reactions
- Hydrocarbons as fuels
Learning Outcomes
Candidates should be able to:
- (a) explain the general unreactivity of alkanes, including towards polar reagents
- (b) describe the chemistry of alkanes as exemplified by the following reactions of ethane:
- (i) combustion
- (ii) free-radical substitution by chlorine and by bromine
- (c) describe the mechanism of free-radical substitution with particular reference to the initiation, propagation and termination reactions