Discuss the reactions of hydrocarbons involving... - SS2 Chemistry Organic Chemistry I: Hydrocarbons Question

Reactions of Substitution:

●     Substitution reactions involve the replacement of one atom or group by another in a molecule. One example is the halogenation of alkanes, where a hydrogen atom is replaced by a halogen atom (e.g., chlorine or bromine). For instance, methane can undergo substitution with chlorine to produce chloromethane.

Reactions of Elimination:

●     Elimination reactions involve the removal of atoms or groups from a molecule, resulting in the formation of a double bond or triple bond. One example is the dehydrohalogenation of alkyl halides, where a hydrogen halide is eliminated from the molecule to form an alkene. For example, 2-bromopropane can undergo elimination to produce propene.

Reactions of Oxidation:

Oxidation reactions involve the addition of oxygen or removal of hydrogen from a molecule. The products of oxidation are typically more oxidised (higher oxidation state) than the reactants. Alcohols can undergo oxidation to produce aldehydes, ketones, or carboxylic acids, depending on the conditions. For instance, primary alcohols can be oxidised to aldehydes or further to carboxylic acids.