By the end of this chapter, the learner should be able to:
(a) Define organic chemistry.
(b) Define hydrocarbons and classify them according to their structure and bonding.
(c) Write molecular and structural formulae of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes.
(d) Name and draw the structures of alkanes, alkenes and alkynes.
(e) Define an isomer, name and draw the structures of the isomers of hydrocarbons with up to five carbon atoms in their molecules.
(f) Describe the general methods of preparing different hydrocarbons.
(g) Explain the gradual change in properties among the members of a homologous series.
(h) State some uses of hydrocarbons.
Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds excluding the oxides of carbon and carbonates.
Carbon forms a very large number of compounds. This is due to the fact that carbon:
(a) Uses all its valence electrons to form four covalent bonds with carbon atoms and with atoms of other elements.
(b) Can form single, double and triple bonds with other carbon atoms.
(c) Atoms can join each other to form long chains.
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HYDROCARBONS.
Hydrocarbons are compounds which are made up of carbon and hydrogenatoms only.
They are classified into three groups depending on the type of bond that existsbetween individual carbon atoms in a molecule. The groups are alkanes, alkenes and alkynes.
Alkanes are a group of hydrocarbons whose carbon atoms are linked by single covalent bonds.
Hydrocarbons in which only single covalent bonds are present in the molecules are said to be saturated.
Alkanes occur naturally as natural gas, biogas and in crude oil.
Crude oil is the major natural source of alkanes. It contains a range of alkanes which can be separated into various components by fractional distillation. This is due to the fact that the different alkanes have different boiling points. The fractions with short carbon chains have low boiling points. As the boiling point of the fractions increase, the viscosity and the intensity of colour of the fractions increase while flammability decreases.
Crude oil is separated into different components through fractional distillation. Each component separates at different temperature at different parts of the fractionating column. The different fractions have different uses.
Cracking of Alkanes
Long chain alkanes are broken up through a process called cracking of alkanes.
During the cracking process short chain alkanes, alkenes and hydrogen are produced.
The general equation for cracking is:
Long chain alkane Smaller chain alkane + Alkenes + Hydrogen For example, when propane is irradiated with high energy radiation, the following reaction occurs.
There are two ways of cracking of alkanes; thermal cracking and catalytic cracking.
Alkanes have names which end with the suffix, – ane; and a prefix numeral used to indicate the number of carbon atoms in the chain. The first four members have their prefixes as meth-, eth-, prop –but– with the next members being , pent- (5), hex- (6), and hept- (7). The simplest alkane is methane where n = 1 and its formula is CH4.
In the skeletal formula, only bonds between carbon atoms are shown. The bonds are drawn in a zig-zag manner. A straight section of a zig-zag line represents a covalent bond between two carbon atoms in the structure.
A molecular formula shows the elements present in a compound and the proportions of their atoms in the compounds.
A structural formula shows how the atoms of the different elements are arranged in the compound.
The consecutive members of the alkane homologous series differ by a – CH2 unit, and conform to the general formula CnH2n+2 where n is 1, 2, 3…
A homologous series is a group of compounds with similar chemical properties, chemical formulae, and they exhibit a steady gradual change in physical properties.
The homologous series of alkanes has the following characteristics:
(i) All members conform to a general molecular formula of CnH2n+2.
(ii) All members show similar chemical properties.
(iii) The physical properties of the members change gradually along the series.
(iv) The general methods of preparation can be applied to any member of the series.
Isomersare compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural formulae.
The isomers of the same alkane differ in their physical properties such as boiling points, melting points and density but their chemical reactions are similar.
If any hydrogen atom attached to an alkane chain is removed, an alkyl group is formed. The suffix –ane in the alkane is replaced by –yl, for example:
| Alkane | Alkyl group |
| Methane, CH4 | Methyl, CH3– |
| Ethane, CH3CH3 | Ethyl, CH3CH2– |
| Butane, CH3CH2CH2CH3 | Butyl, CH3CH2CH2CH2– |
Methane, ethane, and propane do not have isomers. Isomerism in alkanes starts from butane.
If any hydrogen atom attached to any middle carbon atom is replaced by an alkyl group, a branched alkane is obtained.
Rulesfor naming of the branched alkanes
The longest chain has four carbon atoms hence the parent name is butane.
The branching is therefore on carbon 2 of the longest chain and the substituent group is a methyl.
There are two methyl groups attached to carbon number two of the longest chain hence, 2, 2 -dimethyl. When naming the Isomers of an alkane, the position of the substituent group is written first followed by the name of the substituent group and finally the name of the parent alkane.
Examples
In the laboratory, alkanes are prepared by the reaction between sodalime (mixture of sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide) and an appropriate alkanoate.
.
When a mixture of sodium ethanoate and soda lime (sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide) is heated, methane gas is obtained.
Similarly, when a mixture of sodium propanoate, and soda lime is heated ethane gas is obtained.
The general physical properties of the first ten alkanes
Chemical Properties
Combustion
Methane burns in excess air with a pale blue flame to form carbon(IV) oxide and water.
CH4g)+ 2O2(g) → CO2(g) + 2H2O(l)
In a limited supply of air the flame is luminous due to incomplete combustion.
CH4(g) + O2(g) → CO(g) + 2H2O(l)
Other alkanes behave in a similar manner.
Substitution reactions
A substitution reaction is a reaction in which one atom or group of atoms in a molecule is replaced by another.
Alkanes undergo substitution reactions with halogens in the presence of sunlight because the halogen molecules are supplied with energy from light necessary to split them into atoms. These free halogen atoms are very reactive hence they replace the hydrogen atoms in the methane molecule.
All the alkanes undergo substitution with chlorine and bromine in the presence of sunlight.
When a substituent, like a halogen, is present in the alkane, the resulting name must contain the halogen. The name of the halogen becomes the prefix, and the parent alkane, the suffix. The name of the halogen is therefore written as:
Iodo– to represent iodine.
Bromo– to represent bromine.
Chloro– to represent chlorine.
Fluoro– to represent fluorine.
Chlorine reacts with methane in the presence of ultra violet light. Chlorine atoms repeatedly substitute the hydrogen atoms in the methane molecule until all the hydrogen atoms have been replaced as shown below.
If bromine is used, it likewise substitutes hydrogen but the reaction is slow. The mixture of bromine and methane gets decolourised when left in sunlight. The equation for the reaction of methane and bromine is:
CH4(g) + Br2(g) → CH3 Br(g) + HBr.
Review Questions: Alkanes
(a) H3C—CH2—CH2—CH3
(a) 2-methylheptane.
(b) 3-ethylhexane.
(c) 2, 2, 4-trimethylpentane.
(d) 2, 3-dichlorobutane.
(a) Butane.
(b) Pentane.
(c) Hexane.
(a) Identify a condition missing in the set up.
(b) Name substance X and write its chemical formula.
(c) Name the product produced alongside ethane in the reaction.
(b) Draw and name two isomers of butane. (2 marks)
hydrogen only? (½ mark)
Alkenes are hydrocarbons which contain at least one double bond between two carbon atoms in a molecule . The first member of the series is ethene C2H4. because at least two carbon atoms are necessary for a double bond to be formed.
The First members of the alkene series
Each alkene differs from the next one by a –CH2. group, and conforms to the general formula CnH2n where n represents the number of carbon atoms in a molecule (n = 2, 3, 4, 5…).
The presence of a double bond in alkenes results in unsaturation. The double bond in alkenes is easily broken to accommodate more atoms. The C = C double bond determines the chemical properties of alkenes.
A functional group is an atom or group of atoms which is responsible for the characteristic reactions of a compound.
The longest straight chain in alkenes is that which contains the C– C double bond. All alkenes have names ending with – ene. To name them, a prefix indicating the number of carbon atoms in the longest straight chain is followed by the suffix – ene.
Naming of alkenes is based on the following rules:
In the two cases, the double bond is between carbon 1 and carbon 2. In naming the lower position is used.
The structure should be:
Examples
Alkenes show branching, and positional isomerism.
Branching isomerismoccurs when a substituent group is attached to one of the carbon atoms in the longest chain containing the double bond.
For example, the branched isomer of but-1-ene is:
Pentene has two branched isomers:
Positional isomerism occurs when the position of the double bond in an alkene changes. For example:
Laboratory preparation of alkenes.
Alkenes can be prepared by dehydrating their corresponding alkanols using concentrated sulphuric acid or aluminum oxide.
For example, ethene can be prepared by dehydrating ethanol using concentrated sulphuric acid or aluminium oxide. The mixture of ethanol and concentrated sulphuric acid or aluminum oxide must be heated to a temperature of 170°C.
The ratio of ethanol to concentrated sulphuric acid is 1:2 respectively.
Discussion Questions.
The removal of water molecules from ethanol is a dehydration process. Conc. sulphuric acid is a dehydrating agent.
Broken porcelain or sand is used to prevent bumping which may result in cracking of the flask.
The gas produced is passed through sodium hydroxide to remove sulphur(IV) oxide and carbon(IV) oxide which are formed when concentrated sulphuric acid and ethanol decompose respectively due to heat.
Ethene is slightly soluble in water hence is collected over water.
To prevent bumping which may result in cracking of the flask.
The aluminium oxide acts both as a catalyst as well as a dehydrating agent.
Alkenes are more reactive than alkanes due to the presence of the double bond. The double bond is the reactive site of alkenes.
All alkanes burn in air with a yellow sooty flame because they are unsaturated. They have a higher carbon to hydrogen ratio than alkanes.
Since alkenes burn with a sooty flame, they are not preferred for use as fuels.
C2H4(g) + 3O2(g) → 2CO2(g) + 2H2O(l)
Ethene undergoes addition reactions because of the double bond. An addition reaction is one in which one molecule adds to another to form a single product.
This is the addition of halogen atoms across a double bond. Chlorine and bromine are decolourised immediately when ethene is added. Equations for the reactions are:
(iii) When bromine is dissolved in water, and reacted with ethene, the following reaction takes place:
Bromine water is decolourised. This is a test for alkenes.
Addition of hydrogen halides such as hydrogen bromide, and hydrogen chloride is as shown:
Hydrogen gas reacts with ethene at high temperature in the presence of palladium or nickel catalyst to form ethane.
When hydrogen gas is passed through liquid vegetable and animal oil heated to a temperature of 180°C, in the presence of a nickel catalyst, solid fat is formed. Therefore this process of hydrogenation is used in the manufacture of margarine to make the oils solid.
Ethene molecules have the ability to react with each other to form a larger molecule which has a higher molecular mass. Each molecule of ethene is known as a monomer. When many monomers are joined together, they form a polymer. The following equation shows how a polymer is formed:
The process in which several monomers combine to form a polymer is referred to as polymerisation.
When ethene molecules join with each other this way, they form a polymer known as polyethene. This polymerisation process can be represented by a general equation;
Where n = 2, 3, 4, 5..
When ethene is bubbled into acidified potassium manganate(VII) solution, the colour of the solution turns from purple to colourless.The manganate(VII) is an oxidising agent and it adds oxygen at the double bond. The manganate(VII) ion is reduced to manganese(II) ions and water.
This is also another test for alkenes. The equation is:
When the potassium dichromate(VI) is used in the reaction the orange colour of the chromate(VI) changes to green. Potassium chromate(VI) acts as an oxidising agent adding oxygen at the double bond. The chromate(VI) ions are reduced to chromium(III) ions(Cr3+).
Ethene reacts with concentrated sulphuric acid at room temperature to form ethyl hydrogen sulphate.
When ethyl hydrogen sulphate is added to water, and warmed, the product formed is ethanol.
Ethyl hydrogen sulphate is hydrolysed to ethanol. This process is referred to as hydrolysis.
Hydrolysis is the reaction of a compound with water such that the hydroxyl group of the water remains intact.
Generally, the hydrogen atom is added first to ethene molecule to break the double bond, then the hydroxyl group is added.
The addition reactions of alkenes with bromine water, acidified potassium manganate (VII) or acidified potassium(VI) dichromate can be used to test for the presence of a double bond.
Review Questions: Alkenes
(a) H3C – CH= CH – CH3
(b) H2C = CH – CH2 – CH2 – CH3
(c) H2C = CH – CH = CH – CH3
(d) H2C = CH – CH = CBr – CH3
(a) 2–methylpent – 2–ene.
(b) 3–methylbut–1–ene.
(c) 1–chloro – 2 –methylpentane.
(d) 1 – bromo – 3 – ethylpentene.
(a) monomer.
(b) polymer.
Identify catalyst x and condition y.
(a) Identify and draw the structure of the repeat unit.
(b) Name the monomer.
(c) Write the molecular formula of the monomer.
(a) Name reagent A.
(b) Name the process by which ethene is produced in the reaction represented by the equation.
CH3CH2CH3(g) High temperature CH4(g) + C2H4(g)
Name the process undergone by propane.
Alkynes are hydrocarbons which contain a carbon – carbon triple bond (–C≡C–) in the molecule.
Each alkyne differs from the next by a –CH2 group and conforms to the general formula, CnH2n-2, where ‘n’ represents the number of carbon atoms in a molecule, (n = 2, 3, 4…).
The first alkyne member is n = 2 because at least two carbon atoms are necessary for the formation of a triple bond. The presence of the triple bond results in unsaturation.
All alkynes have names ending in –yne.
To name them, a prefix indicating the number of carbon atoms in the longest straight chain is followed by the suffix –yne.
The longest continuous carbon chain must contain the carbon-carbon triple bonds. This chain is numbered such that the carbon atoms having the triple bond have the lowest possible value as shown in the examples below.
Alkynes show branching isomerism, and positional isomerism.
This occurs when a substituent group is attached to the longest chain containing the carbon – carbon triple bond.
For example the branched isomer of pent-l-yne is:
The position of the triple bond in an alkyne molecule can change. This results in the formation of two or more compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula.
For example:
Ethyne and propyne do not show positional isomerism.
Laboratory Preparation of Ethyne
CaC2(s) + 2H2O(l) → C2H2(g) + Ca(OH)2(aq)
Ethyne is a colourless gas and has a pleasant smell when pure. It is slightly soluble in water, and therefore can be collected over water. The solubility of alkynes is higher in non-polar solvents. The table below gives some properties of alkynes.
Alkynes with lower molecular mass are gases at room temperature. While those with a higher molecular mass are solids.
Ethyne burns in air, and also undergoes addition reactions.
Ethyne like any other hydrocarbon will burn in air to form an oxide of carbon, and water. This reaction is usually accompanied by production of a lot of heat, therefore, it is preferably used in oxy-acetylene flames.
In a limited supply of air, ethyne undergoes incomplete combustion to form a mixture of carbon and carbon(II) oxide. The yellow sooty flame observed is due to the unburnt carbon.
In excess air, ethyne burns completely to form carbon(IV) oxide and water.
Addition reactions in alkynes are faster than in alkenes due to the presence of the triple bond.
(i) Reaction with hydrogen (hydrogenation)
Ethyne reacts with hydrogen in the presence of a nickel catalyst to form first ethene, then ethane.
(ii) Reaction with halogens (halogenation)
When ethyne reacts with red-brown bromine vapour, the bromine vapour is decolourised. The decolourisation process is faster in ethyne than in ethene. The bromine atoms are added to the carbon-carbon triple bond to form 1, 1, 2, 2,-tetrabromoethane. This reaction takes place at room temperature and it is a two-step reaction. Thus:
Pure chlorine reacts with ethyne with a violent explosion forming carbon, and hydrogen chloride.
C2H2 + Cl2(g) → 2C(s) + 2HCl(g)
When diluted with an inert gas, chlorine reacts with ethyne to from 1, 1, 2, 2-tetrachloroethane in a two step reaction.
Ethyne does not react with all the hydrogen halides. Hydrogen iodide reacts readily at room temperature, hydrogen bromide reacts when warmed while hydrogen chloride reacts slowly.
(ii) Hydrogen bromide reacts with ethyne to produce 1,1–dibromoethane (CH3CHBr2)
(iii) The reaction between hydrogen chloride gas is slow.
The test for an alkynes is similar to the tests for alkenes in which the oxidising agents are decolourised. However, the reaction is faster in alkynes than in alkenes.
Review Questions: Alkynes
(b) Draw the open structural formula of butyne.
(c) Butyne burns with a yellow sooty flame in a limited supply of air. Explain.
(d) Write the equation for the reaction in (c).
(a) IdentifyX and Y
(b) State two uses of polyvinylchloride
Revision Exercise: HYDROCARBONS
(a) Name four important hydrocarbons obtained from crude oil.
(b) Give the uses of the four hydrocarbons named in (a) above.
(c) Explain with the help of a suitable diagram, the principles used in separating hydrocarbons in crude oil.
(a) Catalytic cracking.
(b) Thermal cracking.
(a) Name:
(i) Colourless gas A.
(ii) Product B.
(iii) Gas D.
(iv) Liquid E.
(b) Write balanced equations for each of the reactions forming the products in (a).
(c) Name the type of reactions taking place in Step I and II.
(d) State the importance of the reaction taking place in Step II.
CH3,CH2.CH2CH3 + Br2→ CH3CH2.CH2Br + HBr
(a) Name the type of reaction taking place in the equation above.
(b) State the condition under which the above reaction takes place. Explain.
(a) Write the structural formula of Q.
(b) Name the homologous series to which Q belongs.
(c) Name one industrial source of Q.
(a) Identify substance x.
(b) Write the equation for the complete combustion of ethane gas.
(c) What is the purpose of ice cold water in the experiment?
(d) The pH of substance X was found to be less than 7. Explain this observation.
(a) Give the name of the hydrocarbon.
(b) Draw the possible structure of N.
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