Why are alkanes generally considered unreactive?

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with only strong C-C and C-H sigma bonds. These bonds are non-polar and require significant energy to break, making alkanes resistant to attack by common reagents like acids, bases, and oxidizing agents.

What is the primary mechanism for alkane halogenation?

The primary mechanism for alkane halogenation is free radical substitution. This chain reaction involves three distinct steps: initiation (formation of free radicals), propagation (radical reaction with alkane and halogen), and termination (combination of radicals).

What are the products of incomplete combustion of alkanes?

When alkanes burn with an insufficient supply of oxygen, incomplete combustion occurs. This typically results in the formation of carbon monoxide (CO), which is a poisonous gas, and/or elemental carbon (soot), along with water.

Master Alkane Reactions for NEET Chemistry: Your Go-To Guide

Introduction

Alkanes, often called paraffins (from Latin 'parum affinis' meaning little affinity), are saturated hydrocarbons with only carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen single bonds. Due to the strong, non-polar nature of these sigma bonds, alkanes are generally quite unreactive under normal conditions. However, under specific conditions, they undergo several important reactions that are crucial for your NEET Chemistry preparation. Let's explore these key reactions.

Core Concept

1. Halogenation (Free Radical Substitution)

This is the most characteristic reaction of alkanes. Hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen atoms (F, Cl, Br, I).

Conditions: Presence of UV light or high temperature (300-500°C).

Master Alkane Reactions for NEET Chemistry: Your Go-To Guide

Introduction

Core Concept

1. Halogenation (Free Radical Substitution)

2. Combustion

3. Pyrolysis (Cracking)

4. Isomerization

5. Aromatization (Dehydrocyclization)

Solved Example

NEET Trick

Quick Recap

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