Explain the properties and reactions of alkanes... - SS2 Chemistry Organic Chemistry I: Hydrocarbons Question

Alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes are distinct classes of hydrocarbons with varying structures, saturation levels, and reactivities:

Alkanes:

●     Structure: Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons consisting of single bonds between carbon atoms, forming a straight or branched chain.

●     Saturation: Alkanes are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms, meaning that each carbon atom is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible.

●     Reactivity: Alkanes are relatively unreactive due to the strength of their carbon-carbon single bonds. They undergo combustion reactions in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water. However, they require high activation energy to undergo other reactions, such as substitution or addition reactions.

Alkenes:

●     Structure: Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon double bond. The presence of the double bond introduces a planar structure and restricts rotation around the bond.

●     Saturation: Alkenes have one fewer hydrogen atom per double bond compared to the corresponding alkane with the same number of carbon atoms.

●     Reactivity: Alkenes are more reactive than alkanes due to the presence of the carbon-carbon double bond. They readily undergo additional reactions, such as hydrogenation, halogenation, and hydration. Alkenes are used as starting materials in various industrial processes, including the production of plastics, solvents, and synthetic fibres.

Alkynes:

●     Structure: Alkynes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. The triple bond introduces linearity in the molecule and restricts rotation around the bond.

●     Saturation: Alkynes have two fewer hydrogen atoms per triple bond compared to the corresponding alkane with the same number of carbon atoms.

●     Reactivity: Alkynes are the most reactive among alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes due to the presence of the carbon-carbon triple bond. They readily undergo additional reactions similar to alkenes, as well as other reactions such as polymerization and formation of complex organic compounds.