Chapter 11 Introduction to

Organic Chemistry: Alkanes

11.4
Properties of Alkanes

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 Some Properties of Alkanes
The properties of alkanes
include being
§ nonpolar
§ insoluble in water
§ less dense than water
§ flammable in air

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Alkanes with 1–4 Carbon Atoms
Alkanes with 1–4 carbon atoms are
§ methane, ethane, propane, and
butane
§ gases at room temperature
§ used as heating fuels

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 Alkanes with 5–17 Carbon Atoms

Alkanes with 5–8 carbon atoms are

§ liquids at room temperature
§ pentane, hexane, heptane, and octane
§ very volatile
§ used to make gasoline

Alkanes with 9–17 carbon atoms

§ are liquids at room temperature
§ have higher boiling points
§ are found in kerosene, diesel, and jet fuels

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Alkanes with 18 or More Carbon
Atoms
Alkanes with 18 or more carbon atoms
§ have high molar masses
§ are waxy solids at room temperature
§ are used in waxy coatings of fruits and
vegetables

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 Boiling Points of Alkanes
Boiling points of alkanes
§ are lowest of the organic compounds
§ increase with larger molecules due to increased
dispersion forces
§ decrease for branched alkanes
§ increase for cycloalkanes

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Boiling Points of Alkanes with 5
Carbons

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 Learning Check
For the following pairs of hydrocarbon, which one has
the higher boiling point? Why?

A. Butane or octane

B. Hexane or 2,3-dimethylbutane

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 Crude Oil
The hydrocarbons in crude oil are
§ separated by their different boiling points
§ heated to higher temperatures to produce gases
that can be cooled and removed

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Crude Oil (continued)

General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry 11

Combustion of Alkanes
Alkanes
§ undergo combustion
by reacting with oxygen
to produce carbon
dioxide, water, and
energy
§ are typically not very
reactive due to strong
C—C single bonds

Alkane + O2(g) CO2(g) + H2O(g) + energy

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Learning Check
Propane is used to provide
heat for cooking or warming
a room. Write a balanced
equation for the complete
combustion of propane.

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 Learning Check
Write a balanced equation for the reaction for the
complete combustion of heptane, C7H16.

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