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Questions and Answers
What is the state of unbranched alkanes methane, ethane, propane, and butane at room temperature?
What is the state of unbranched alkanes methane, ethane, propane, and butane at room temperature?
Why do branched alkanes normally exhibit lower boiling points than unbranched alkanes of the same carbon content?
Why do branched alkanes normally exhibit lower boiling points than unbranched alkanes of the same carbon content?
Why are alkanes almost completely insoluble in water?
Why are alkanes almost completely insoluble in water?
What did Friedrich Wohler achieve in 1828?
What did Friedrich Wohler achieve in 1828?
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What is the general formula for open-chain alkanes?
What is the general formula for open-chain alkanes?
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What is the trend in boiling points of alkanes as the number of carbon atoms increases?
What is the trend in boiling points of alkanes as the number of carbon atoms increases?
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What functional group is formed by removing a hydrogen atom from the molecule of an alkane?
What functional group is formed by removing a hydrogen atom from the molecule of an alkane?
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Study Notes
States of Alkanes at Room Temperature
- Methane, ethane, propane, and butane are all alkanes.
- Methane (C1H4) and ethane (C2H6) are gases at room temperature.
- Propane (C3H8) is a gas, but may be stored as a liquid under pressure.
- Butane (C4H10) can exist as a gas at room temperature or as a liquid under pressure.
Boiling Points of Branched vs. Unbranched Alkanes
- Branched alkanes typically have lower boiling points compared to unbranched alkanes with the same carbon count.
- The branching in alkanes reduces surface area, resulting in weaker van der Waals forces.
- Weaker intermolecular forces lead to lower energy required for boiling.
Insolubility of Alkanes in Water
- Alkanes are predominantly nonpolar molecules due to their hydrocarbon nature.
- Water is a polar solvent, and polar and nonpolar substances do not mix.
- Alkanes' lack of polarity prevents them from forming hydrogen bonds with water.
Friedrich Wohler's Achievement in 1828
- Friedrich Wohler synthesized urea from ammonium cyanate.
- This reaction challenged the belief that organic compounds could only be produced by living organisms (vitalism).
- Wohler's work marked a significant milestone in organic chemistry.
General Formula for Open-Chain Alkanes
- The general formula for open-chain (straight-chain) alkanes is CnH2n+2.
- "n" represents the number of carbon atoms in the alkane.
Trend in Boiling Points of Alkanes
- As the number of carbon atoms in alkanes increases, boiling points generally rise.
- Increased molecular weight and van der Waals interactions contribute to higher boiling points.
Functional Group from Alkanes
- A functional group formed by removing one hydrogen atom from an alkane is called an alkyl group.
- Alkyl groups serve as the backbone for many organic compounds, maintaining hydrocarbon characteristics.
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Description
Test your knowledge of organic chemistry with this quiz on the synthesis of organic compounds and the properties of carbon atoms. Explore the different classes of organic compounds and their functional groups, including alkyl groups and halides.
