ALKANES

ALKANES
• General formula CnH2n+2 
• Saturated Hydrocarbons
• Alkanes with four or more carbon atoms show structural
isomerism resulting from their ability to form branched chains. 
• Alkanes are named by using the prefix which indicates the total
number of carbon atoms in the molecule and the suffix ‘-ane’.
COMBUSTION OF
ALKANES
• Alkanes burn very easily in air or oxygen.
• The reaction is exothermic producing large amounts of heat
energy
• When alkanes burn they do so with a clear blue flame because
the ratio of carbon to hydrogen atoms in the molecules is low.
COMBUSTION OF
ALKANES
Complete combustion of alkanes:

Incomplete combustion of alkanes:

SUBSTITUTION REACTIONS
OF ALKANES
Substitution reactions are reactions where the hydrogen atoms in
the alkane is replaced by another atom, usually a halogen.
Halogenation is when a halogen replaces one or more hydrogen
atoms in an alkane molecule.
Light is required for the reaction to occur. UV light is best.
SUBSTITUTION REACTIONS
OF ALKANES
Three factors affect the rate of substitution
• Light intensity
• Reactivity of the halogen
• Reactivity of the alkane
SUBSTITUTION REACTIONS
OF ALKANES
Stage one of the reaction between methane and chlorine:
SUBSTITUTION REACTIONS
OF ALKANES
As the reaction continues, the hydrogen atoms are replaced one by
one until tetrachloromethane (CCl4 ) is produced:
Overall Reaction:

The reaction of bromine vapour or bromine solution with methane is

similar, but since bromine is less reactive than chlorine, the
reaction proceeds more slowly. 
USES OF ALKANES
There are two main uses of alkanes
• For Fuels
• For Solvents
BIOGAS
Biogas refers to a gas produced by the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of
oxygen.