13 ALKANES

Introduction : Electronic structure :

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Q.1. What are alkanes? Q.3. Explain the term electronic structure.
Ans: Alkanes are saturated aliphatic Ans : The structure in which electrons are indicated
hydrocarbons containing c-c single bond by dot (.) or cross ( x ) is called electronic

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Alkanes are called paraffins ( in Latin parum structure.
means little and affins means affinity ) because e.g. The electronic structure of methane is
they have little affinity towards the chemical
H
reactions (i.e. they are less reactive ). .
x

H x
C xH

.
.
.x

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Functional group : C – C
H
Representation : RH Where, .→ electrons of carbon

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General formula : CnH2n+2 x → electrons of hydrogen
e.g. Methane (CH4 ) , Ethane (C2H6). Q.4.Give the structural formula & electronic
Homologous series of alkanes : formula for i) methane ii) ethane iii) propane

s.bl
Alkanes have general formula CnH2n+2 where i) Methane ( CH4 ) : Condensed formula : CH4
‘n’ is the number of carbon atoms.
H H
Homologous series of alkanes is given below : .
x

H–C–H Hx C xH

.
.
.x
n Name Molecular H H
ces
formula
Structural formula Electronic formula
1. Methane CH4
i) Ethane ( C2H6 ) : Condensed formula : CH3–CH3
2. Ethane C 2H 6
Hx Hx
suc
H H
3. Propane C 3H 8 . .
H–C–C–H Hx C C xH
.

.
..
.x .x
4. Butane C 4H10
H H H H
5. Pentane C 5H12
reto

Structural formula Electronic formula

6. Hexane C 6H14
7. Heptane C 7H16 i) Propane ( C3H8 ) : Condensed form. CH3–CH2–CH3
8. Octane C 8H18 Hx Hx Hx
H H H . . .
9. Nonane C 9H20 H–C–C–C–H Hx C C C x H
.

..
.
..

.x .x .x
sda

10. Decane C 10H22 H H H H H H

Structural formulae Structural formula Electronic formula

Q.2. Explain the term structural formula. Q.5. Explain the structural & molecular formula of
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Ans : The formula which indicates how the various methane.

Ans : i) The molecular formula of methane is CH4.
atoms in a molecule are joined to one another
ii) Its structural & electronic formulae are
is called structural formula (or graphic formula). H H
.
x
e.g. Structural formula of methane (CH4) is H–C–H H C xH
x
.
.
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.x
H H
H
Structural formula Electronic formula
H–C–H
H iii) In methane the carbon atom is joined to four
hydrogen atoms by single covalent bonds.
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 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
iv) Thus there are four C_H bonds in methane. 2°
CH3––CH2––CH3 (Propane)
v) Each C–H bond is a covalent bond, formed by
sharing of one electron pair between C & H iii) Tertiary C-atom : The carbon atom which is

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atoms. attached to three other carbon atoms is called
vi) Thus carbon atom gets complete octet and each tertiary carbon (3°). e.g.
hydrogen atom gets complete duplet (i.e stable

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3°
configuration ) . CH3–CH–CH3. (iso-butane)
CH3
Q.6. Explain the structural & electronic formula
of ethane. .....2 iv) Quaternary C-atom : The carbon atom which
is attached to1°four other carbon atoms is called

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Ans : i) Molecular formula of ethane is C2H6. 1°

ii) It's structural & electronic formulae are given a quaternary carbon (4°). e.g.

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below : CH3
H H Hx Hx 4°
H3C – C – CH3 ( neo-pentane )
. .
H–C–C–H Hx C C xH CH3
.

.
..

s.bl
.x .x
H H H H Q. 8. What are the types of H_atoms in alkanes ?
Structural formula Electronic formula Ans: There are three types of H atoms in alkanes :
iii) In ethane, the two carbon atoms are joined to i) Primary H-atom :
The H-atom which is attached to a primary
each other by a single covalent bond.
ces
carbon atom is called primary hydrogen.
iv) Each carbon is joined with three hydrogen
atoms by single covalent bonds. e.g. ethane CH3 – CH3
(In this compound there are six primary
v) The C_C bond is a covalent bond formed by
H- atoms).
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the sharing of one electron pair between the ii) Secondary H-atom :
two carbon atoms. The H-atom which is attached to the
vi) Each C_H bond is also covalent bond formed secondary carbon atom is called secondary
by sharing of one electron pair between C & H hydrogen.
reto

atoms. e.g. Propane CH3–– CH2––CH3

(In this compound there are two 20 H- atoms.)
vii) Thus each C- atom gets complete octet & each
iii) Tertiary H-atom :
hydrogen atom gets complete duplet The H-atom which is attached to the tertiary
( i.e. stable configurations ). carbon atom is called a tertiary hydrogen.
sda

3°
Q.7. What are the types of carbon atoms in e.g. iso-butane CH –CH–CH .
3 3
alkanes ?
CH3
Ans: There are four types of carbon atoms in alkanes.
(In this compound there is one tertiary H-atom.)
i) Primary C-atom :The carbon atom which
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is attached to only one other carbon atom ( or Straight chain & branched chain alkanes
no other carbon atom ) is called a primary Q.9. What are straight and branched chain
carbon alkanes ?
1° 1° Ans : i) Straight chain alkanes or normal
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e.g. CH3 –CH3 (Ethane)

alkanes : The alkanes in which the carbon
ii) Secondary C-atom : The carbon atom which
atoms are joined to one another to form a
is attached to two other carbon atoms is called
continuous straight chain without any
a secondary carbon (2°). e.g.
branching are called strainght chain alkanes.
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 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
They are called normal alkanes or n - alkanes. Q.10. Define and give suitable examples of
They contain only primary & secondary carbon i) n-alkane ii) iso-alkane iii) neo-alkane .. 3
atoms.

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e.g.i) n-butane CH3–CH2–CH2–CH3. Chain isomerism in alkanes
ii) n-pentane CH3–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH3. Q.11. Define & explain the term chain isomerism.

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OR What do you mean by isomerism ?
ii) Branched chain alkanes : The alkanes in
Explain the same in butane.
which one or more alkyl side chains are
Ans: The compounds having same molecular formula
attached to the main chain are called as
but different structural formulae are called
branched chain alkanes.
isomers of each other & this phenomenon is

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These alkanes contain tertiary and / or
called isomerism.
quaternary carbon atoms in addition to the usual

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The isomerism in alkanes is due to difference in
1º and 2º C_atoms..
the structure or nature of the carbon chains
Branched chain alkanes are of two types
therefore it is called chain isomerism.
a) Isoalkanes and b) Neoalkanes.
The first three alkanes ( methane, ethane &

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a) Isoalkanes : The alkane in which a methyl
propane) can not have branching hence they
side chain is attached to the next to end
exist only as normal alkanes. The isomerism in
carbon of the main chain ( i.e. second
alkanes starts from butane onwards.
carbon from the end of the main chain ) is
Butane ( C4H10 ) can have two types of
ces
called isoalkane.
arrangements of carbon atoms hence it has two
It contains a tertiary carbon atom. e.g.
3° 3°
chain isomers.
i) CH3–CH–CH3. ii) CH3–CH–CH2–CH3 CH3 –CH2– CH2 – CH3 CH3–CH–CH3.
suc

CH3 CH3 CH3

iso-butane iso-pentane n-Butane Isobutane
iii) CH3–CH–CH2–CH2–CH3 iso-hexane
Q.12. Give the chain isomers of pentane. .....3
reto

CH3 Ans: Pentane (C5H12) has three chain isomers as it

b) Neoalkanes : The alkane in which two
methyl side chains are attached to the next
to end carbon of the main chain ( i.e.second
carbon from the end of the main chain ) is
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can have three types of arrangements of
C-atoms.
i) CH3–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH3 ( n-Pentane )

called neoalkane. CH3

ii) CH3–CH–CH2–CH3 iii) H C – C – CH
It contains a quaternary carbon. 3 3
e.g. CH3 CH 3
CH3 CH3
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4° ii) H3C – C 4°– CH2– CH3 Isopentane Neopentane

i) H C – C – CH
3 3
CH3 CH3 N.B.The number of isomers of an alkane
neo-pentane neo-hexane increases rapidly with increase in number of
carbon atoms. e.g. hexane has 5 isomers,
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N.B. The prefixes iso and neo are used to

heptane has 9, octane 18, decane 75.
designate the branched chain alkanes having six
Q.13.Give the structural and condensed
or less number of C _ atoms. In naming of the
formulae of all the isomers of butane and
higher alkanes we make the use of IUPAC
pentane.
system.
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 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
i) Butane ( C4H10 ) : It has 2 isomers. Q.14. Give the condensed structural formulae
a) n-Butane : of the normal alkanes containing 6, 7, 8, 9
and 10 carbon atoms.

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H H H H
i) n - Pentane (C5H12) :
H – C – C – C – C – H CH3–CH2–CH2–CH3
CH3– CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH3
H H H H

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Structural formula Condensed formula
ii) n- Hexane( C6H14 ) :
a) Isobutane :
CH3– CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH3
H H H
H–C–C–C–H CH3–CH–CH3. iii) n-Heptane ( C7H16 ) :

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H H CH3 CH3– CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2 – CH2– CH3

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or CH3– (CH2)5 – CH3
H– C – H
H iv) n- Octane (C8H18 ) :
Structural formula Condensed formula CH3–CH2– CH2– CH2– CH2–CH2–CH2– CH3
ii) Pentane ( C5H12 ) : It has 3 isomers. or CH3– (CH2)6 – CH3
a) n - Pentane :
H H H H H
H – C – C – C – C – C–H s.blv) n-Nonane( C9H20) :
CH3–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH3
or CH3– (CH2)7 – CH3
ces
H H H H H
vi) n - Decane ( C10H22 ) :
Structural formula
CH3–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH3
CH3–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH3 or CH3– (CH2)8 – CH3
suc
Condensed formula
b) Isopentane : ALKYL GROUPS
H H H H
Q.15.Explain the term alkyl group.
reto

H–C–C–C– C–H CH3–CH–CH2–CH3

Alkyl group is a monovalent group or radical
H H H CH3 obtained by removing one H-atom from
H– C – H alkanes.
H
The general formula of alkyl group is CnH2n+1
sda

Structural formula Condensed formula

The name of alkyl group is obtained by replacing
c) Neopentane :
the suffix _ ane of alkane by _yl .
H
−H
RH → R–
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H– C – H
H H CH3 Alkane Alkyl group
−H
H–C–C–C–H H3C – C – CH3 e.g. CH4 → CH3–
H H CH3 Methane Methyl
H– C – H Learn the alkyl groups : A student must
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H memorise the names of alkyl groups and

Structural formula Condensed formula learn to recognise these groups at a glance
in whatever way they may be represented .

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 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
Alkane Alkyl group Ans :
−10 H
1) CH4  → – CH3 CH3–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH3
Methane Methyl group n - pentane

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0
−1 H
2) C2H6
0
−1 H

→ –C2H5 or CH3– CH2– 
→ CH3–CH2–CH2–CH2–CH2–
Ethane Ethyl group n - pentyl or n-amyl

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−2 H0
3) CH3–CH2–CH
3
−1 H 0
→ CH3–CH2–CH2– → CH3-CH-CH2-CH2 -CH3
Propane n-Propyl sec-pentyl or sec-amyl
−20 H
4) CH3–CH2–CH
3→ CH3–CH–CH2–CH3 CH3–CH–CH2–CH3

p
Propane Isopropyl or CH3
CH3 Isopentane

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CH– −1 H 0

CH3 
→ CH3–CH–CH2 – CH2–
0
CH3
−1 H
4) CH3–CH2–CH2–CH3
→ Isopentyl or Isoamyl

s.bl
n-Butane CH3–CH2–CH2–CH2–
0
−3 H
n-Butyl 
→ CH3–C–CH2– CH3.
−2 H
0
CH3-CH2-CH2-CH
3→ CH3-CH-CH2-CH3 CH3
n-Butane t -pentyl or t - amyl
ces
sec-butyl or
CH3 CH3
or CH3 C–
CH–
C2H5 C2H5
suc

CH3–CH–CH3
.−10 H t -pentyl or t - amyl
5) → CH3–CH–CH2 –
CH3 CH3
CH3
reto

CH3
Isobutane iso-butyl or −10 H
H3C – C – CH3 
→ H3C – C – CH2 –
CH3
CH3 CH
CH– CH2– or (CH3)2CH CH2 – 3
CH3 neo-pentane neo-pentyl
iso-butyl iso-butyl
sda

0
NOMENCLATURE OF ALKANES
−3 H
CH3–CH–CH3
. 
→ CH3–C– CH3.
It is the naming system. There are two methods
CH3 CH3
of nomenclature.
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Isobutane tert.butyl or
i) Common system (or trivial system.)
CH3 ii) IUPAC system (or systematic names).
CH3 C– or (CH3)3C –
i) Common system or Trivial system :
CH3
a) The first four alkanes methane, ethane, propane
t - butyl t - butyl
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& butane are called by their common names.

Q.16.Give the alkyl groups obtained from b) From fifth alkane the Greek numerals are
pentane used to indicate the number of carbon atoms
e.g. pent (5), hex (6) , hept (7) ,oct (8), non (9)

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 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
and dec (10) etc.
c) The names of alkanes end with the
suffix - ane which indicates the saturated
hydrocarbons - alkanes.
d) The various isomers of alkanes are denoted by
the prefixes like n -, iso - & neo-.
Limitations of common system :
Common system can name only three isomers
of the alkanes i.e. n - , iso - and neo - .
But as the number of carbon atoms in alkanes
increases the number of isomers increases
rapidly e.g. there are 5 hexanes, 9 - heptanes,
75 decanes etc.
Common system fails to name all these
isomers of higher alkanes. Hence there was a
need for some systematic method of
nomenclature.
IUPAC system fulfills this need.
IUPAC system : Various committees and
ces
commissions of chemists of the world
have devised a systematic method of
nomenclature. It is called IUPAC system
i.e.International Union of Pure & Applied
suc
Chemistry.
Rules for IUPAC nomenclature :
i) Longest chain rule : Select the longest
reto
continuous carbon chain as the parent alkane
and the compound is said to be derivative of
this alkane.
Note :
a) The alkyl groups which are not included in
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the parent chain are taken as side chains or
substituents.
b) The longest chain may or may not be staight
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but it should be continuous.
c) If two different chains have equal length, then
the chain having greater number of substituents
is taken as parent chain.
ii) Lowest number rule : Number the carbon
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atoms in basic chain from the end which is nearer
to the side chain.
iii) locant : The position of side chain is indicated
by the number of carbon atom to which the side
chain is attached. This number is called locant.
iv) Lowest set of locants rule : When two or
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more substituents ( i.e. side chains) are present
then start the numbering from that end of the
parent chain which gives
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a) lowest set of locants and / or
b) lowest sum of locants.
But the lowest set of locants rule is preferred
over the lowest sum of locants rule.
v) About side chains or substituents :
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a) When the same side chain is present for two
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or more times then the prefixes like di, tri, tetra
etc are used and their positions are indicated
separately by numerals.
b) The names of different side chains are written
s.bl in alphabetical order (the prefixes di, tri etc are
ignored while comparing the substituents).
c) When two side chains are present on the
same carbon atom then the number of that
carbon must be repeated for each side chain.
vi) When two different side chains are present at
equivalent positions from two ends of a main
chain, then the numbering is done in such a way
that the alkyl group which comes first in
alphabetical order gets lower number.
vii)
In the name, the comma is used to separate the
numbers from each other and a hyphen is used
to separate a number from the name.
The name of last alkyl group and the parent
alkane are written as a single word.
Explanation of the rules
1)
CH3 __ CH2 __ CH __ CH2__ CH3 ← Chain of 5 C
(Wrong)
CH2__ CH2__ CH3 ← Substituent
(propyl)
1 2 3
CH3 __ CH2 __ CH __ CH2__ CH3 ← Substituent
(ethyl)
CH __ CH2__ CH3
4 2
5 6 ← Chain of 6 C
(correct)
3-Ethylhexane (correct Name)
3-Propylpentane (worng Name)
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 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
This compound is derivative of hexane and ethyl Set of locants : 2, 6, 7, 8
is taken as substituent or side chain, ( rule -1 ). Sum of locants : 2 + 6 + 7 + 8 = 23
Numbering is started from the left ( as shown ) In this case the numbering is started from right

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so that the locant ( i.e. number which indicates to left as it gives the lowest set of locants
position of side chain ) is the minimum ( rule 2). ( 2,6,7,8), even though it does not give the
lowest sum of locants.

1 2
2) CH3 __ CH __ CH2 __ C __ CH3
CH3
Counting from left to right.
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CH3
3 4 5 2,6,7,8-Tetramethyldecane ( correct name )
3,4,5,9-Tetramethyldecane ( wrong name )
CH3 Thus we prefare the lowest set of locants rule
over lowest sum of locants rule.

p
Set of locants : 2, 4, 4 ( wrong )

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1 2 3 4 5 6
Sum of locants : 2 + 4 + 4 = 10 5) CH3 __ CH2 __ CH __ CH __ CH2__ CH3
CH3 CH3 C2H5
5 4 3 2 1
CH3 __ CH __ CH2 __ C __ CH3 Methyl group at C3

s.bl
6 5 4 3 2 1
CH3 CH3 CH3 __ CH2 __ CH __ CH __ CH2__ CH3
Counting from right to left . CH3 C2H5
Set of locants : 2, 2, 4 ( correct)
Ethyl group at C3
ces
Sum of locants : 2 + 2 + 4 = 8
3-Ethyl-4- Methylhexane ( Correct name)
∴ This compound is
4-Ethyl-3- Methylhexane ( Wrong name)
2,2,4- trimethylpentane ( correct name )
Here counting of the basic chain should be done
2,4,4- trimethylpentane ( wrong name )
suc
from left to right so that ethyl gets lower number
Alphabetical order rule : than methyl ( since ethyl comes first in
1 2 3 4 5 6 alphabetical order than methyl ; rule no. viii ).
3) CH3 __ CH __ CH2 __ CH __ CH2__ CH3
For complex substituents : If the side chain
reto

CH3 C2H5
is branched then it is named as substituted
4- Ethyl - 2 - methylhexane ( correct name )
alkyl group.
2- Methyl - 4 - ethylhexane ( wrong name )
Lowest set of locants rule : Number the C i) The C - atom of this group attached to the
atoms of the basic chains in such a way that it parent chain is numbered as 1.
sda

should give the lowest set of locants and the ii) The names of such substituents are written in
lowest sum of locants. But in case of dispute, brackets to avoid any confustion with the
the lowest set of locants rule is given preference numbering of parent chain.
CH 3
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over the lowest sum of locants. 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

1) CH3-CH-CH2-CH2-CH-CH2-C-CH 3
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
4) CH3-CH2-CH-CH-CH-CH 2-CH2-CH 2-CH-CH3 CH3 1 CH-CH
3 CH 3
CH3 CH3 CH3 CH3 2 CH
3
← Complex
substituent
Set of locants : 3, 4, 5, 9
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Sum of locants : 3 + 4 + 5 + 9 = 21 2,2, 7 - trimethyl-4- ( 1 - methylethyl) octane

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
CH3-CH 2-CH-CH-CH-CH2-CH 2-CH2-CH-CH3
CH3 CH3 CH3 CH3

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 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
2) CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH-CH 2-CH 2-CH2 -CH3 CH3
1 |
CH-CH3 vii) CH3 – CH2 –CH – C – CH2 – CH3

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2 ← Complex | |
CH-CH3 C2H5 C2H5
3 substituent
CH 3
vii) 3,4-Diethyl-3-methylhexane

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5- ( 1,2 - Dimethylpropyl ) nonane vi) 3-Ethyl-4,5-dimethylheptane
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 v) 3-Ethyl-2,2-dimethylpentane
3) CH3 –CH2–CH–CH–CH–CH 2–CH 3 iv) 2,3-Dimethylbutane
CH 3 CH 3 CH- CH3 ← Complex iii) 3- Ethylhexane

p
CH 2-CH 3 substitutent ii) 2-Methylbutane

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i) 2- Methylpropane
3, 4 - Dimethyl-5- ( 1- methylpropyl ) heptane
Answers of Q.No. 18 :
Q.17. Give IUPAC names to following alkanes
Q.19. Common names of some alkanes are
1) CH3 _ CH2 _ CH _ CH3 (3-methylpentane)

s.bl
| given. Write their structures and IUPAC
C2H5
names.
2) CH3–CH – CH–CH3 (3,4 - dimethylhexane ) i) n- butane ii) n- pentane
C2H5 C2H5 iii) n- hexane iv) iso-butane
ces
v) iso-pentane vi) iso-hexane
C2H5
vii) neo-pentane viii) neo-hexane.
3) CH3_CH2_C.(CH3)2_CH2_CH_C2H5
Ans : Write the answers and compare your answers
(3,3-Dimethyl - 5- ethyl - heptane ) with those given below in the same sequence.
suc

4) (CH3)3 C– C2H5 (2,2-diemthylbutane ) Structures IUPAC names

Q.18. Give IUPAC name. i) CH3-CH2-CH2-CH3 Butane
i) CH3 __ CH __ CH3 ii) CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3 Pentane
reto

|
CH3 iii) CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3 Hexane
iv) CH3 __ CH __ CH3 2- Methylpropane
|
ii) CH3– CH2 __CH __ CH3 CH3
|
CH3 v) CH3- CH-CH2-CH3 2- Methylbutane
sda

iii) CH – CH –CH – CH – CH – CH CH3

3 2 2 2 3 |
C2H5 vi) CH3- CH-CH2-CH2 -CH3 2- Methylpentane
CH3
iv) CH3 __ CH __ CH __ CH3
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| |
CH3 CH3 CH3

CH3 vii) H3C – C – CH3 2,2 -Dimethylpropane

|
v) CH3 __ C__ CH – CH2_ CH3 CH3
| |
CH3 C2H5 CH3
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viii) H3C – C – CH2– CH3 2,2 -Dimethylbutane

vi) CH – CH – CH –CH – CH – CH – CH CH3
3 2 2 |3 | |
CH3 CH3 C2H5 Q.20.Give the structures of following compounds
i) 2- Methylpropane ii) 2-Methylbutane

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 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
iii) 3- Ethylhexane hydrogen gas in presence of Ni at 573 K gives
iv) 2,3-Dimethylbutane propane.
v) 3-Ethyl-2,2-dimethylpentane

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Ni
vi) 3-Ethyl-4,5-dimethylheptane CH3_C≡CH + 2H2 CH3 __ CH2 __ CH3
573 K
vii) 3,4-Diethyl-3-methylhexane Propyne Propane
viii) 3-Ethyl-3,4,5-trimethyloctane

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Q.22.How will you prepare ethane from
GENERAL METHODS OF PREPARATION i) Ethene ii) Ethyne
i) From unsaturated hydrocarbons or
ii) Decarboxylation of acids How will you convert :
i) Ethene into ethane

p
iii) From alkyl halides ( reduction and
Wurtz sysnthesis ) ii) Ethyne into ethane

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i) Hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons: Q.23.How will you prepare propane from
Q.21.Explain preparation of alkane from i) Propene ii) Propyne
hydrogenation of unsaturated hydrocarbons or

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Ans:a) From alkenes : When alkenes are heated How will you convert :
with H2 gas is presence of catalyst Ni, Pt or Pd i) Propene into propane
at 523K - 573K alkanes are obtained. ii) Propyne into propane
[or alkenes upon catalytic hydrogenation ii) By decarboxylation of fatty acids
ces
( H2 / Ni ) at 523 K - 573 K give alkanes ]. ( i.e. carboxylic acids ) :
Methane can not be prepared by this method. Q.24. Explain decarboxylation of carboxylic
e.g i) Ethylene (ethene ) upon catalytic acids.
hydrogenation ( H2 / Ni at 573 K ) gives ethane. Ans : When dry sodium salt of fatty acid is heated
suc

with sodalime ( NaOH + CaO in 3 : 1 ratio)

Ni
CH2 = CH2 + H2 573 K CH3 __ CH3 alkane is obtained.
Ethylene Ethane In this reaction carbon dioxide (CO2) is
reto

e.g. ii) propylene ( propene) upon catalytic
hydrogenation (H2/Ni at 573K ) gives propane.
Ni
CH3_ CH = CH2 + H2 573 K CH3 _ CH2_ CH3
sda
eliminated from carboxylic acid therefore the
name is decarboxylation.
The product alkane contains one carbon atom
less than the starting carboxylic acid.
∆

Propylene Propane RCOONa + NaOH RH + Na2CO3

CaO
b) From alkynes : When alkynes are heated Sodium Sodalime Alkane
carboxylate
with H2 gas is presence of catalyst Ni, Pt or Pd
at 523K - 573K alkanes are obtained. e.g i) When sodium acetate is heated with sodalime
.aim

[or alkynes upon catalytic hydrogenation methane is obtained by decarboxylation.

( H2 / Ni ) at 523 K - 573 K give alkanes ]. ∆
CH3COONa + NaOH CaO
CH4 + Na2CO3
Methane can not be prepared by this method. Sodium Sodalime Methane
e.g. i) Acetylene (an alkyne ) upon catalytic acetate

hydrogenation ( H2/Ni at 573K ) gives ethane.

www

ii) When sodium propionate is heated with

Ni sodalime ethane is obtained by decarboxylation.
CH ≡ CH + 2H2 573 K CH3 __ CH3 ∆
Acetylene Ethane C2H5COONa + NaOH C2H6 + Na2CO3
CaO
e.g. ii) propyne ( propene) upon reduction by Sod.propionate Sodalime Ethane

9
 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
Q.25. How is methane prepared by Dry ether
2RX + 2Na R - R + 2NaX
decarboxylation of carboxylic acid?
Alkyl halide Higher alkane
Or

om
How is methane prepared from sodium i) When methyl iodide is treated with sodium in
acetate ? dry ether ethane is obtained.

ot.c
Q.26. How is ethane prepared by Dry ether
2CH3I + 2Na CH3 - CH3 + 2NaI
decarboxylation of carboxylic acid?
Methyl iodide Ethane
Or
How is ethane prepared from sodium ii) When ethyl iodide is treated with sodium in
propionate ? dry ether n-butane is obtained.

p
Dry ether
iii) From alkyl halides ( RX ) : Alkanes can 2C2H5I + 2Na C2H5-C2H5 + 2NaI

ogs
be prepared from alkyl halides by two Ethyl iodide n-Butane
methods Limitations : i) Methane cannot be prepared.
a) By reduction of RX and ii) Alkanes containing odd no. of carbon atoms

s.bl
b) Wurtz sysnthesis can't be prepared in good yields.
a) By reduction of RX : Q.29.Explain Wurtz’s reaction with a mixture
Q.27.How alkanes are prepared by reduction of different alkyl halides. OR
of alkyl halide? What is action of Na on a mixture of ethyl
ces
Ans :When alkyl halide is reduced by Zn / HCl acid iodide and methyl iodide ?
or Zn / Cu couple in alcohol, alkanes are obtained. Ans : When a mixture of two different alkyl halides
Zn/HCl or
is treated with Na in ether a mixture of higher
suc
RX + 2[H] RH + HX alkanes is obtained, which is difficult to
Zn.Cu /Alcohol
Alkyl halide Alkane separate.
e.g i) Methane is obtained by reduction of methyl In this reaction higher alkanes containing even
bromide. number of carbon atoms are predominantly
reto

formed.
Zn/HCl or
CH3Br + 2[H] CH4 + HBr Hence Wurtz reaction cannot be used to
Zn.Cu /Alcohol
Methyl bromide Methane prepare higher alkanes containing odd number
ii) ethane is obtained by reduction of ethyl of carbon atoms.
sda

iodide. e.g. Wurtz reaction with ethyl iodide and methyl

Zn/HCl or iodide gives ethane, propane & butane
C2H5I + 2[H] C2H6 + HI (ethane and butane are major products).
Zn.Cu /Alcohol
Ethyl iodide Ethane
.aim

b) Wurtz Synthesis : 2CH3I + 2Na

Dry ether
C2H6 + 2NaI
Q.28. Write a note on Wurtz synthesis. .....2 Methyl iodide Ethane
Ans: When alkyl halide is treated with sodium in
dry ether, higher alkanes containing Dry ether
2C2H5I + 2Na C4H10 + 2NaI
even no. of carbon atoms are obtained .
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Ethyl iodide n-Butane

In this reaction two molecules of alkyl halide
condense together to form a symmetrical alkane Dry ether
CH3I + C2H5I + 2Na C3H8 + 2NaI
containing twice the number of C - atoms than Methyl Ethyl Propane ( minor )
the alkyl group. iodide iodide
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 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
Q.30. How will you convert : halogen derivatives of alkanes.
i ) Ethyl iodide into n-Butane In this reaction all the H-atoms of alkane are
ii) Methyl iodide into ethane ? .....2 replaced one by one with halogen atoms.

om
3) By reduction of alkyl halide : e.g. Methane upon chlorination gives a mixture
Q.31. How is ethane prepared from of methyl chloride, methylene dichloride,
a) Ethylene b) Methyl bromide chloroform and carbon tetrachloride.

ot.c
c) Ethyl iodide d) Acetylene .....4
Diffused sun light
Ans: a) Ethylene upon catalytic hydrogenation CH4 + Cl2 CH3Cl + HCl
or UV light
( H2 / Ni at 573K ) give ethane. Methane Methyl Chloride.
Ni
CH2 = CH2 + H2 CH3 __ CH3 Diffused sun light

p
573 K CH3Cl + Cl2 CH2Cl2 + HCl
Ethylene Ethane or UV light

ogs
Methyl Chloride. Methylene dichloride
b) From methyl bromide by Wurtz synthesis:
Dry ether Diffused sun light
2CH3Br + 2Na C2H6 + 2NaBr CH2Cl2 + Cl2 CHCl3 + HCl
or UV light
Methylene dichloride Chloroform

s.bl
Methyl bromide Ethane

c) By reduction of ethyl iodide : Diffused sun light

CHCl3 + Cl2 CCl4 + HCl
Zn / HCl or UV light
C2H5I + 2[H] C2H6 + HI Chloroform Carbon tetrachloride
ces
Ethyl iodide Ethane
2) Nitration :
d) From acetylene by catalytic hydrogenation. The reaction in which H-atom of alkane is
Ni replaced by a nitro group (-NO2 ) is called
CH ≡ CH + 2H2 573 K
CH3 __ CH3
suc

Acetylene Ethane nitration.

Q.33. Explain nitration of alkanes. .....2
CHEMICAL PROPERTIES
Ans : When alkanes are heated with nitric acid in
i) Halogenation ii) Nitration vapour phase at 673 to 773 K, nitroalkanes
reto

iii) Pyrolysis iv) Combustion are obtained.

Substitution or replacement reaction :
The reaction in which an atom or a group of
atoms is replaced by another atom or group
sda
e.g. When methane is treated with nitric acid in
vapour phase at 723 K,nitromethane is obtained.
773 K
CH4 + HONO2  → CH3__NO2 + H2O

is called substitution reaction . Methane Nitric acid Nitro methane

Alkanes under go substitution reaction in which
Q.34. Explain nitration of methane OR
H - atom of alkane is replaced by another atom
. How will you convert methane into
.aim

or group. nitromethane. .....1

1) Halogenation of alkanes.
Q.35.Explain nitration of ethane OR
The reaction in which H-atom of alkane is
replaced by a halogen atom is called as How will you convert ethane into
nitroethane. .....1
halogenation.
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Ans : When ethane is treated with nitric acid in

Q. 32 .Explain chlorination of methane. .....3
vapour phase at 773 K, nitroethane is obtained.
Ans : Alkane reacts with halogen (Cl2 or Br2) in
presence of diffused sunlight ( UV light ) or at C2H6 + HONO2 
 → C2H5-NO2 + H2O.
77 3 K

high temperature ( 573 K - 773 K) to form Ethane Nitric acid Nitroethane

11
 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
Q.36. Explain nitration of propane. CH3CH3 CH2= CH2 + H2 (dehydrogenation)
OR What is the action of nitric acid on propane Ethane Ethylene
at high temperature? .....2

om
ii) Propane on pyrolysis gives a mixture of
Ans : Propane reacts with nitric acid in vapour phase products. It undergoes dehydrogenation as
at 773K to form a mixture of nitromethane, well as cracking.
nitroethane, 1-nitropropane & 2-nitropropane.

ot.c
CH3CH2CH3 CH3CH=CH2 + H2↑
Propane Propylene
CH3CH2CH3+ HNO3 
→ 773 K

CH3NO2 + CH3CH2NO2 CH3CH2CH3 CH2 = CH2 + CH4

p
nitro methane nitro ethane
Q.39. Explain catalytic cracking with suitable
+ CH3CHCH3 + H2O

ogs
CH3CH2 CH2NO2 example. Give its advantages.
1-nitropropane NO2 Ans : When n-butane is heated at 873 K it
2-nitropropane undergoes (88%) craking to give methane and
N.B. Nitromethane and nitroethane are formed due propene 50 % and ethane and ethene 38 %

s.bl
to breakage of C-C bond in propane at high and 12 % dehydrogenation.
temperature.
873 K
CH3CH2CH2CH3 (SiO 2Al2O3)
3) Pyrolysis : n - Butane
ces
Q. 37. Explain pyrolysis. 12%
→ CH CH = CH CH + H
Ans : It is the thermal decomposition of alkanes 3 3 2
but-2-ene
in the absence of air to form smaller
758 K
K
 →
873 873 K 50%
molecules. → CH3CH = CH2 + CH4
suc
SiO2Al2O3
Pyrolysis takes place in two ways propene methane
a) Dehydrogenation : It is the fission of C-H 38%
bonds in alkane to form alkene and H2 gas. → CH2 = CH2 + CH3 - CH3
reto

ethene ethane
As hydrogen gas is lost the reaction is
called dehydroganation. Advantages :
a) It requires lower temperature and pressure.
CH3CH3 
 →
87 3K
CH2= CH2 + H2 ↑ b) It gives less amount of methane and carbon
Ethane Ethylene
4) Combustion :
sda

873 K
CH3CH2CH3 CH3CH=CH2 + H2↑ Q.40.Explain combustion of alkanes.
K/SiO2AlO 3
Propane Propylene Ans : When alkanes are heated in excess of air
b) Cracking : It is the fission of C-C bond in or oxygen, they burn readily to give CO2 &
.aim

alkanes to form a pair of alkane and alkene. H2O. In this process large amount of heat is
e.g.Propane gives a pair of ethylene and evolved.Thus reaction is highly exothermic.
methane. Combustion is complete oxidation of alkanes
Hence alkanes are used as fuels.
CH3CH2CH3 CH2 = CH2 + CH4
e.g.i) CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O + 890 kJ mol-1
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Q.38. What is the action of heat on ii)C2H6+ 3.5O2 → 2CO2 + 3 H2O + 1580 kJ mol-1
a) Ethane b) Propane
Uses of Alkane :
Ans : a) Ethane on pyrolysis gives a mixture of Q.41.Give uses of alkanes .....2
ethylene & H2 gas i) Methane is used for making carbon-black
12
 DISHA SCIENCE ACADEMY
which is used as black pigment in paints, printing CH3
ink, boot polish etc. iv) CH CH CH C–CH 2,2-Dimethylpentane
3 2 2 3
ii) Methane is used as a source of hydrogen gas.

om
CH3
iii) Methane is used in preparation of a organic (Common name : Neoheptane)
compounds like
CH3
e.g.CH3Cl, CH3OH (methyl alcohol),

ot.c
HCHO(formaldehyde), C2H2 (acetylene) v) CH3CH2C–CH2CH3 3,3-Dimethylpentane
iv) Propane is used as refrigerent i.e. cooling agent. CH3
v) n-Butane and iso-Butane are liquified under high vi) CH CH CH–CHCH 2,3-Dimethylpentane
3 2 3
pressure under the name L.P.G. (liquified
CH3 CH3

p
petroleum gas). It is used as domestic fuel.

ogs
vi) Petrol, is a mixture of liquid alkanes
(iso- octane). It is used as fuel for internal vii) CH CHCH CHCH 2,4-Dimethylpentane
3 2 3

combustion engines. CH3 CH3

Q.42.Give the structural formulae and IUPAC

s.bl
CH3
names of isomers of a) hexane & b) heptane viii) CH – C – CH – CH 2,2,3-Trimethylbutane
3 3
Ans : a) Isomers of hexane CH3CH3
Hexane (C6H14 ) has five chain isomers
Structure IUPAC name
ces
ix) CH3–CH2–CH–CH2–CH3 3-Ethylpentane
i) CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 Hexane C2H5
(Common name : n-Hexane )

ii) CH3CH CH2CH2CH3 2-Methylpentane –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

suc

CH3 (Common name : Isohexane) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

iii) CH3CH2CHCH2CH3 3-Methylpentane –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

reto

CH3 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
iv) CH3-CH–CH-CH3 2,3-Dimethylbutane –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
CH3 CH3 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
CH3 –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
sda

v) CH3-C-CH2-CH3 2,2-Dimethylbutane
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
CH3 (Common name : Neohexane)
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
b) Isomers of heptane
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
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Heptane (C7H16 ) has nine chain isomers

i) CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 Heptane –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
( Common name : n- heptane ) –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
ii) CH3CHCH2CH2CH2CH3
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
www

CH3 2-Methylhexane
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
(Common name : Isoheptane)
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
iii) CH3CH2CHCH2CH2CH3 3-Methylhexane
–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––
CH3
13