Chemical properties of Alkanes

Alkanes are generally unreactive due to strong C-C bonds and C-H bonds. Under ordinary conditions, alkanes do not react with most chemicals such as acids, alkalis, oxidising agents or reducing agents.

However, alkanes react in two ways- Combustion and Halogenation.

Combustion- Complete combustion (in the presence of sufficient oxygen) to produce carbon dioxide and water.

-Incomplete combustion (insufficient oxygen) to produce carbon dioxide, water, carbon monoxide or even carbon.

Alkanes are used as fuel because large amount of heat are liberated when they are burnt.

Halogenation- Substitution reaction of alkanes with halogens. For example, each hydrogen atom in the alkane molecule is substituted by a halogen atom. This reaction is initiated by ultraviolet light. For example, when a mixture of methane and chlorine is exposed to ultraviolet light, substitution reaction occurs. The hydrogen atoms in methane are replaced one by one by chlorine atoms to produce 4 different products.

*Apart from combustion and the reaction with chlorine, alkanes are generally unreactive.