Experiment 3

Test for the Presence of Hydrocarbons

You will be given three compounds: compound A, compound B, and compound C. Do

the following tests and determine whether your given compound is a hydrocarbon or
not.

A. Combustion

Using a 10-mL pipet, measure 1 mL of compound A and transfer it in an evaporating

dish. Strike a matchstick and light the unknown liquid. Observe if there is a flame
produced, if there is, take note of the flame intensity and the color of the smoke
produced. After the fire is consumed, wipe it with a tissue paper and do the same
procedure for compound B and compound C.

B. Solubility test for polar compound

Using a 10-mL pipet, measure 1 mL of compound A and transfer it in a test tube labeled
compound A. Add 2 mL of water in the same test tube and observe if there is a layer
formed. Shake gently for 5 times, then shake vigorously for 5 seconds.

Let it sit for 5 minutes and observe if there is a layer formed. If there is a layer formed,
your compound is nonpolar. If there is no layer formed, your compound is polar.
Hydrocarbons are nonpolar compounds. Do the same procedure for compound B and
compound C.

C. Solubility test for nonpolar compound

Using a 10-mL pipet, measure 1 mL of compound A and transfer it in a test tube labeled
compound A. Add 2 mL of hexane in the same test tube and observe if there is a layer
formed. Shake gently for 5 times, then shake vigorously for 5 seconds.

Let it sit for 5 minutes and observe if there is a layer formed. If there is a layer formed,
your compound is polar. If there is no layer formed, your compound is nonpolar. Do the
same procedure for compound B and compound C.

D. Reaction with KMNO4

Using a 10-mL pipet, measure 1 mL of compound A and transfer it in a test tube labeled
compound A. Add 2 drops of potassium permanganate in the same test tube and
observe if there is a layer formed. Shake gently for 5 times, then shake vigorously for 5
seconds.

Let it sit for 5 minutes and observe if there is an emulsion formed. If there is an
emulsion formed, your compound is nonpolar. If there is no emulsion formed, your
compound is polar. Do the same procedure for compound B and compound C.