There are three types of reactions that can occur in saturated compounds such as the alkanes.
Substitution reactions
Substitution reactions involve the removal of a hydrogen atom which is replaced by an atom of another element, such as a halogen (F, Cl, Br or I) . The product is called a halo-alkane. Since alkanes are not very reactive, heat or light are needed for this reaction to take place.
Elimination reactions
Saturated compounds can also undergo elimination reactions to become unsaturated. In the example below, an atom of hydrogen and chlorine are eliminated from the original compound to form an unsaturated haloalkene.
Oxidation reactions
When alkanes are burnt in air, they react with the oxygen in air and heat is produced. This is called an oxidation or combustion reaction. Carbon dioxide and water are given off as products. Heat is also released during the reaction. The burning of alkanes provides most of the energy that is used by man.
e.g. CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O + heat
Substitution reactions
Substitution reactions involve the removal of a hydrogen atom which is replaced by an atom of another element, such as a halogen (F, Cl, Br or I) . The product is called a halo-alkane. Since alkanes are not very reactive, heat or light are needed for this reaction to take place.
Elimination reactions
Saturated compounds can also undergo elimination reactions to become unsaturated. In the example below, an atom of hydrogen and chlorine are eliminated from the original compound to form an unsaturated haloalkene.
Oxidation reactions
When alkanes are burnt in air, they react with the oxygen in air and heat is produced. This is called an oxidation or combustion reaction. Carbon dioxide and water are given off as products. Heat is also released during the reaction. The burning of alkanes provides most of the energy that is used by man.
e.g. CH4 + 2O2 → CO2 + 2H2O + heat
