Hydrocarbons

Alkanes:

• General formula is C_nH_2n+2.
• Isomerism: Structural isomer → Difference in structure

                         Chain isomer → Difference in chain

• Conformations: The spatial arrangements of atoms which can be converted into one another by rotation around a C–C single bond  

          1. Sawhorse projections

          2. Newman projections

 

Alkanes:

• General formula is C_nH_2n+2.
• Occurence:
  • Methane is the main constituent of marsh gas.
  • Methane is exhaled by animals that feed on food containing cellulose.
  • Methane is found in the intestinal gas of humans and animals.
  • Methane is found in cavities in coal.
• Prepared by:
  • Reduction of unsaturated hydrocarbons
  • Reduction of alkyl halides
  • Wurtz…