Alkanes (Overview)

Structure & Bonding

saturated: all C atoms are bonded to 4 atoms all C atom are sp3 hybridised non-polar simple molecular structures consisting of alkane molecules held together by weak VDW forces

Physical Properties

relatively low mp/bp mp/bp increases with increasing molar mass mp/bp decreases with branching for isomeric alkanes insoluble in water; soluble in organic solvents (e.g. CCl4)

Chemical Properties

Alkanes are chemically inert since: they are saturated there are no electron rich/ poor regions due to the similar electronegativities of C and H → can only undergo reactions under high temperatures (combustion) or with very reactive reagents (radicals)

Main Reaction(s)

Free radical substitution (with halogens)