Unit 27

Topic 7 Fossil Fuels and Carbon Compounds
Unit 27 Alkanes and alkenes
Jing Kung Educational Press All Rights Reserved

Unit 27 Alkanes and alkenes 2
Content
27.1 Important reactions of alkanes
27.2 Demand and supply of petroleum fractions
27.3 Alkenes
27.4 Physical properties of alkenes
27.5 Important reactions of alkenes
27.6 Renewable energy sources in Hong Kong
Continued on next page

Content
Key terms
Summary
Unit Exercise

27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

w Alkanes have strong C−C and C−H bonds and are relatively
unreactive, except when a strong source of energy is provided.
w They are generally stable under most conditions.
w They do not react with acids, bases, oxidising agents and
reducing agents but with oxygen in combustion.
Comparing the properties of

alkanes and alkenes Ref.


Combustion of alkanes
w Complete combustion—with plentiful supply of air or oxygen
w Methane is burnt in a Bunsen burner with a clean, blue non-
luminous flame.
Air hole is fully open.
w Some of the octane in petrol undergoes complete combustion.


w Incomplete combustion—with limited supply of air or oxygen
w This produces carbon soot and makes a cooler, yellow
luminous flame.
Air hole is closed.
w Different degrees of incomplete combustion of octane:

(Incomplete combustion often happens with hydrocarbons with
longer chains as they require more oxygen to burn.)


Q (Example 27.1)
One mole of hydrocarbon X requires 9 moles of oxygen for complete
combustion. Hydrocarbon X contains 6 carbon atoms per molecule.
What is the molecular formula of X?
A
Let C6Hy be the molecular formula of X.
The chemical equation below represents the complete combustion of X.
∴ the molecular formula of X is C6H12.


Reaction with halogens—substitution reactions
w Alkanes react with Cl2 and Br2 under heat or UV.
w This is a substitution reaction (取代反應)—one in which an

atom or group of atoms in a molecule is replaced by another
atom or group of atoms.
w The above methane reaction takes place in 3 stages:

initiation (引發), propagation (傳播) and termination (終止).


Initiation
w Forming free radicals (自由基) under heat or UV:


Propagation
w Chain reaction (連鎖反應) takes place. One initial event
causes a large number of subsequent reactions, with the
reactive chemical species being regenerated in each cycle



Termination
w The chance of two free radicals (present in very low
concentrations) colliding is very low.
w Once they collide, the chain reaction will be brought to an end.
w Before a termination step stops the reaction, up to a million
propagation cycles have already taken place.
w Possible termination steps:
(1)


(2)
(3)


Further substitution reactions
w The product chloromethane (CH3Cl) still contains 3 hydrogen
atoms, which can further by replaced, one by one, by a
chlorine atom in similar substitution reactions.
w A mixture of di-, tri- and tetra-substituted products results.


w The different boiling points of the four chloromethanes allow
the mixture of products to be separated by fractional distillation.
w Using excess methane reduces the likelihood of further

substitution but cannot prevent getting a mixture of products.
w Thus, radical substitution is not an effective method for the
preparation of chloromethane.


w The reaction of alkanes with bromine is much slower.
The effect of light on a mixture of bromine and hexane after 0, 10 and 16 seconds


Practice 27.1
1 Explain why a non-luminous flame is obtained when the air hole of a
Bunsen burner is fully open. Enough oxygen is provided.
The fuel undergoes complete combustion.
2 The alkanes are a family of saturated hydrocarbons. The largest use for
alkanes is as fuels.
a) What is the general formula for alkanes? CnH2n+2
b) The complete combustion of alkanes produces carbon dioxide and water
only. Write the chemical equation for the complete combustion of nonane,
C9H20. C9H20(g / l) + 14O2(g) à 9CO2(g) + 10H2O(l)
c) An incomplete combustion of nonane, C9H20, results in the formation of
carbon monoxide and water only.
2C9H20(g / l) + 19O2(g) à 18CO(g) + 20H2O(l)


d) State TWO problems that result from the incomplete combustion of alkane
fuels.
Any two of the following:
• Carbon monoxide is toxic.
• Less energy is produced, becomes a less efficient fuel.
• Unburnt hydrocarbons react to form toxic / harmful compounds.
• Sooty deposits / carbon / particulates in atmosphere.


3 Bromine reacts with methane to form bromomethane (CH3Br) via a free
radical chain reaction.
The initiation step is shown below. Only electrons in the outermost shells are
shown.
a) Name the type of the reaction for the formation of CH3Br from methane
and bromine. Substitution reaction
Ultraviolet light / heat
b) State the condition needed for the reaction to occur.
/ radical initiator
c) State the expected observation for the reaction.
Any one of the following:
• The orange / brown colour fades.
• The orange / brown colour changes to colourless slowly.


d) With reference to its electronic structure, explain why the chemical species
• The Br atom does not have a stable
has a high reactivity. noble gas electronic arrangement.
• The Br atom does not have a stable octet
electronic arrangement.
e) Give TWO propagation steps of the reaction between methane and
bromine to form CH3Br.


f) Suggest why this reaction is NOT an effective way for the preparation of
CH3Br.
The reaction gives a mixture of products (CH2Br2, CHBr3, etc.)

27.2 Demand and supply of petroleum

fractions (p.108)
w World supply and demand of petroleum fractions:


fractions (p.108)
w To match the supply of useful fractions, large hydrocarbon
molecules are broken down with heat or in the presence of
catalyst to produce smaller hydrocarbon molecules. This is
called cracking.
w In modern catalytic cracking (催化裂解), cracking takes place
in a vertical tower about 60 m high and 2 m in diameter.
w Hot vaporized hydrocarbons and catalyst
are fed into the bottom of the tower and
forced upwards.
w One large molecule is at least broken down
into two small molecules.


fractions (p.108)
w Decane (C10H22) is heated in the presence of a catalyst.
w It may break down into octane and ethene.


fractions (p.108)
w Octane is added to
petrol so as to
increase its supply.
w Ethene is an important
feedstock (供料) for
making a wide range
of products such as
ethanol and synthetic
polymers.


fractions (p.108)
w Decane may be split apart in many other ways. For example,
w The products need to be separated by fractional distillation.


fractions (p.108)
Why is cracking important?
w Make the best use of petroleum.
e.g. crack fuel oil (too much) to get petrol (in need)
w Cracking always produces small alkene molecules, which
are used as feedstocks for a huge range of compounds (e.g.
synthetic polymers) and products (e.g. paints, drugs)


fractions (p.108)
Cracking octane in a laboratory
w Cracking can be done in a laboratory using unglazed
porcelain (素瓷).
Cracking of medicinal paraffin

and testing the gaseous
product Ref.

fractions (p.108)
w The products are mostly gases (i.e. hydrocarbons with less
than 5 carbon atoms per molecule)
w When no more gas can be collected. Remove the delivery
tube before removing the heat to avoid sucking back
(which can cause the hot boiling tube to break due to
sudden cooling).
w Broken (instead of large piece of) unglazed porcelain is
used to provide a larger surface area and the reaction will
be faster.


fractions (p.108)
w Octane has a high b.p. and is difficult to burn.

So it has large molecules with long chains of carbon atoms.
w The products have a low b.p. and are gases.
So they must have small molecules with short carbon chains.


fractions (p.108)
Practice 27.2
Petroleum is processed to give a wide variety of alkanes.
a) i) Give the name of ONE physical process carried out during the
processing of petroleum. Fractional distillation
ii) On what properties of alkanes does this physical process depend?
Different boiling points
b) An alkane with molecular formula C25H52 found in fuel oil can be split into
smaller molecules.
i) Name the important industrial process involved. Cracking
ii) Explain why this process is important.
• To produce alkenes which can make a huge range of other compounds.
• To produce smaller hydrocarbons from larger hydrocarbons. / To
convert heavy oil to petrol.


fractions (p.108)
iii) The following equation shows one possible reaction that occurs in the
process: C25H52 à C17H36 + 2X
Give ONE possible structural formula of X.

27.3 Alkenes (p.113)

w Alkenes (−C=C−, CnH2n) are unsaturated hydrocarbons.
w The three electron groups on each carbon repel to give a
trigonal planar arrangement.

27.3 Alkenes (p.113)

27.4 Physical properties of alkenes (p.115)

Melting and boiling points
w Increase with increasing carbon chain length
w Very close to corresponding alkanes(only van der Waals’ forces)
w At r.t., ethene, propene and but-1-ene are gases while other

alkenes are liquids or waxy solids.
Solubility
w Insoluble in water, like alkanes

27.5 Important reactions of alkenes (p.115)

Combustion
w An alkene burns with sootier flame than an alkane does.
w Alkene molecules have a higher carbon to hydrogen ratio.

w Their chance to undergo incomplete combustion to give carbon
(soot) is higher.
w Alkenes are rarely burnt as fuels because their reactivities
make them very useful for other purposes.
Hexene burning
Hexane burning
Distinguishing between an
alkane and an alkene Ref.


Addition reactions
w Addition reaction (加成反應)—one in which two or more
molecules react to form a single, larger molecule.


Reaction with bromine
w The orange colour of the dissolved bromine (in an organic
solvent) disappears quickly because the product is colourless.
w Vigour decreases down the halogen group.
(F2 reacts explosively.
I2 is slow.)


Reaction with cold acidified dilute KMnO4(aq)
w Converts an alkene to a diol via an addition reaction.
w The purple solution becomes colourless quickly:
MnO4−(aq) reduced to very pale pink Mn2+(aq)


Test for unsaturation
w The orange solution of bromine dissolved in 1,1,1-trichloroethane becomes
colourless quickly when shaken with an alkene.
w The purple solution of cold acidified dilute potassium permanganate solution
becomes colourless quickly when shaken with an alkene.
w The tests can be used to distinguish alkenes from alkanes, and apply to
other unsaturated hydrocarbons, e.g. ethyne HC≡CH.


Practice 27.3
1 Olympic torches have used a variety of fuels since the first olympic games in
776 B.C. Both propane (C3H8) and kerosene are possible choices.
Kerosene gives the torch a more visible yellow flame compared to propane.
Explain why.
The hydrocarbon molecules in kerosene have a higher carbon to hydrogen
ratio than a propane molecule.
Kerosene has a greater chance to undergo incomplete combustion to give
carbon (soot).
2 Bromoethene undergoes an addition reaction with chlorine in a suitable
organic solvent.
Write the structural formula of the organic product.


3 Alkane X can be cracked into octane (C8H18) and but-1-ene such that the
mole ratio of octane and but-1-ene is 1 : 1.
a) What is the molecular formula of alkane X? C12H26
b) Octane is a component of petrol. Write the chemical equation for the
complete combustion of octane.
2C8H18(g / l) + 25O2(g) à 16CO2(g) + 18H2O(l)
c) Suggest a chemical test to distinguish but-1-ene from octane. State also
the expected observations. Any one of the following:
• Add an orange solution of bromine dissolved in 1,1,1-trichloroethane separately to
but-1-ene and octane.
The orange solution of bromine becomes colourless quickly when added to but-1-ene.
The orange solution of bromine becomes colourless slowly when added to octane
under sunlight.
• Add a purple solution of cold acidified dilute potassium permanganate solution to but-
1-ene and octane separately.
The purple solution of potassium permanganate becomes colourless quickly when
added to but-1- ene.
Octane gives no observable change.

27.6 Renewable energy sources in Hong

Kong (p.120)
w Fossil fuels are non-renewable energy sources.
w With reduction of fossil fuel reserves and the impact of burning
fossil fuels on the environment, renewable energy
sources (可再生能源) are becoming more important.
w Renewable energy sources are those that can be produced at
a rate faster than the rate at which they are used.

27.6 Renewable energy sources in Hong

Kong (p.120)
w Solar and wind energy
- unlimited supply
- no emission of greenhouse gases or air pollutants
The Zero Carbon Building in
Kowloon Bay generates on-site
renewable energy from
photovoltaic panels and a tri-
generation system using biofuel
made of waste cooking oil
Wind power Ref.

Key terms (p.122)
substitution reaction 取代反應 cracking 裂解

initiation 引發 catalytic cracking 催化裂解作用
propagation 傳播 feedstock 供料
termination 終止 unglazed porcelain 素瓷
free radical 自由基 addition reaction 加成反應
chain reaction 連鎖反應 renewable energy 可再生能源
source

Summary (p.123)
1 The following table summarises two important reactions
of alkanes.

Summary (p.123)

Summary (p.123)
2 The following diagram summarises some important
information about cracking.

Summary (p.123)
3 a) The melting and boiling points of alkenes are very
close to those of the corresponding alkanes.
b) Alkenes are insoluble in water.
4 Most reactions of the alkenes are examples of addition

reactions. An addition reaction is one where two or more
molecules react to form a single, larger molecule.

Summary (p.123)
5 The following table summarises two addition reactions of alkenes.
These reactions can be used as tests for unsaturated compounds.

Unit Exercise (p.125)
Note: Questions are rated according to ascending level of

difficulty (from 1 to 5):
question targeted at level 3 and above;

question targeted at level 4 and above;
question targeted at level 5.
‘ * ’ indicates 1 mark is given for effective communication.


PART I KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING
1 Complete the following concept map.

a) alkanes
b) carbon dioxide / water
c) carbon dioxide / water
d) substitution
e) chloroalkanes
f) alkenes
g) addition
h) bromine in 1,1,1-
trichloroethane / cold
acidified dilute potassium
permanganate solution
i) bromine in 1,1,1-
trichloroethane / cold
acidified dilute potassium
permanganate solution


PART II MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
2 Propane (C3H8) undergoes incomplete combustion in a limited amount
of air. Which products are most likely to be formed during this reaction?
A Carbon monoxide and water

B Carbon monoxide and hydrogen
C Carbon dioxide and hydrogen
D Carbon dioxide and water
Answer: A


3 One mole of methane is allowed to react with two moles of chlorine in the
presence of light. Which of the following best describes the organic
product(s) that would be formed?
A One mole of CCl4

B One mole of CH2Cl2
C A mixture containing only CCl4 and CH2Cl2
D A mixture containing CH3Cl, CH2Cl2, CHCl3, and CCl4
(HKDSE, Paper 1A, 2014, 10)
Answer: D


4 The reaction below involves several steps.
Which of the following steps can lead to a termination of the reaction?
Answer: B
A Cl2 à 2Cl•
B CH3• + Cl• à CH3Cl
C CH4 + Cl• à CH3• + HCl
D CH3• + Cl2 à CH3Cl + Cl•


5 Which of the following statements about cracking of alkanes is
INCORRECT?
A It is an exothermic process.
B It involves breaking and forming of covalent bonds.
C It produces extra petrol.
D It involves a chemical change.
Answer: A
Explanation:
Cracking takes in heat. It is NOT an exothermic process.

6 Upon cracking, one molecule of dodecane (C12H26) gives

one molecule of ethene, one molecule of propene and one
molecule of alkane X. What is X?
A C7H14
B C7H16 Answer: B
C C10H20
D C10H22 Explanation:
C12H26 à X + C2H4 + C3H6
∴ X is C7H16.


7 Hydrocarbons with large molecules can be cracked to produce
hydrocarbons with smaller molecules.
The equation shows the reaction of a hydrocarbon, C10H22.
C10H22 à C4H10 + 2C3H6
Comparing C10H22 with the other hydrocarbons shown in the equation,

which of the following combinations is correct?
Answer: B
Boiling point Flammability
A highest highest
B highest lowest
C lowest highest
D lowest lowest


8 Which of the following compounds would be formed when bromoethene
reacts with chlorine in a suitable organic solvent?
Answer: B


9 The diagram below shows the set-up of an experiment:
Answer: B
Explanation:
The cracking process does
NOT produce carbon dioxide.
Thus, there is NO observable
change in the limewater in
tube B.
The unglazed porcelain in tube A is strongly heated and the glass wool is
occasionally heated. Which of the following statements is correct?
A A chemical reaction occurs at the glass wool.
B There is no observable change in the limewater in tube B.
C There is no observable change in the acidified KMnO4(aq) in tube C.
D The flame is brick-red in colour.


10 Which of the following would be formed when propene reacts with cold
acidified dilute KMnO4(aq)?
A Propene-1,2-diol
B Propane-1,2-diol
C A mixture of propen-1-ol and propen-2-ol
Answer: B
D A mixture of propan-1-ol and propan-2-ol
Explanation:


11 Ethane reacts with bromine under suitable conditions. Which of the
following statements concerning this reaction are correct?
(1) The reaction occurs readily in the dark.
(2) The reaction is a substitution reaction.
(3) The colour of the reaction mixture fades.
A (1) and (2) only

B (1) and (3) only Answer: C
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)
Explanation:
(1) The reaction between ethane and bromine
does NOT occur in the dark.


12 Which of the following statements concerning the reaction between
bromine (in CH3CCl3) solution and excess propene are correct?
(1) An addition reaction occurs.
(2) The bromine solution becomes colourless quickly.
(3) The structural formula of the organic product is CHBr2CH2CH3.
A (1) and (2) only

B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3) Answer: A
Explanation:


13 Which of the following statements concerning but-2-ene are correct?
(1) It is an unsaturated hydrocarbon.
(2) It has the same molecular formula as but-1-ene.
(3) It can decolourise acidified potassium dichromate solution.
A (1) and (2) only Answer: A

B (1) and (3) only Explanation:
C (2) and (3) only (2) The molecular formula of both but-1-ene and
D (1), (2) and (3) but-2-ene is both C4H8.
(3) But-2-ene has NO reaction with acidified
potassium dichromate solution.


14 Which of the following statements concerning propane and propene are
correct?
(1) Both are gases at room temperature.
(2) Both are insoluble in water.
(3) Propane burns with a cleaner flame than propene.
Answer: D
A (1) and (2) only Explanation:
B (1) and (3) only (3) A propane molecule has a lower carbon to
C (2) and (3) only hydrogen ratio than a propene molecule.
D (1), (2) and (3) Propane undergoes complete combustion more
readily.


15 Which of the following are renewable energy sources?
(1) Nuclear energy
(2) Tidal energy
(3) Biomass
A (1) and (2) only Answer: C

B (1) and (3) only
C (2) and (3) only
D (1), (2) and (3)


PART III STRUCTURED QUESTIONS
16 The structural formulae
of six carbon compounds
are shown below.
a) i) Give the letters of TWO compounds that are unsaturated. P and U (1)
ii) Name the homologous series to which these two compounds belong.
Alkenes (1)
iii) What is the general formula of this homologous series? CnH2n (1)
b) What is the empirical formula of compound S?
CH2Br (1)


17 Ethane reacts with chlorine to form chloroethane (C2H5Cl).
C2H6 + Cl2 à C2H5Cl + HCl
The reaction is initiated by the formation of chlorine free radicals from
chlorine molecules.
a) What is the essential condition for the reaction?
Ultraviolet light / heat / radical initiator (1)
b) The chlorine free radicals react with ethane to produce C2H5Cl.
Complete the following equations for the propagation steps involved.


c) Besides chloroethane, name ONE other chlorine-containing organic
product which is formed in the reaction.
Accept dichloroethanes, trichloroethanes, etc. (1)
d) Butane is a trace product of this reaction. Suggest how the butane is
formed.
Two ethyl radicals react together to give a butane molecule. (1)


18 1,2-dichloroethane can be made by the chlorination of ethane.
The reaction between ethane and chlorine is carried out using
electromagnetic radiation and produces 1,2-dichloroethane together with
other chlorine-containing organic products.
a) What type of electromagnetic radiation is used? Ultraviolet radiation (1)

b) Name the type of reaction involved? Substitution reaction (1)
c) The structural formula of 1,2-dichloroethane is shown below.
Write the structural formula of the other dichloroethane formed. Give its
systematic name.


d) Suggest why the reaction between ethane and chlorine is NOT used to
produce 1,2-dichloroethane commerically.
• Many chlorinated products are formed. (1)
• The yield is low. (1)
• It is difficult / costly to separate the product from the mixture. (1)


19 Petrol is a commonly used motor car fuel. It can be obtained from
petroleum by fractional distillation.
a) Other than directly obtaining petrol from fractional distillation of

petroleum, suggest a way for producing extra petrol.
Cracking of heavy oil / heavy hydrocarbons (1)
b) Octane is a component of petrol.
i) Write the chemical equation for the complete combustion of octane.
2C8H18(g / l) + 25O2(g) à 16CO2(g) + 18H2O(l) (1)
ii) The incomplete combustion of octane produces a poisonous gas that
reduces the capacity of blood to carry oxygen. Write the chemical
equation for this incomplete combustion of octane.
2C8H18(g / l) + 17O2(g) à16CO(g) + 18H2O(l) (1)


20 The steps involved in the reaction of methane with bromine forming CH3Br
can be shown by the following diagram. Only electrons in the outermost
shells are
shown.


a) Name the type of the reaction for the formation of CH3Br from methane and
bromine.
b) State the condition needed for the reaction to occur.
c) State the expected observation for the reaction.
d) With reference to its electronic structure, explain why the species
has a high reactivity.
e) The reaction of methane with bromine can also form other single-carbon-
containing organic compounds.
i) Suggest ONE such compound.
ii) Suggest a condition so that the reaction of methane with bromine can form
more CH3Br but less other organic compounds.
(HKDSE, Paper 1B, 2015, 6)
Answers for the questions of the public examinations in Hong Kong are not
provided (if applicable).


21 Dodecane (C12H26) is an alkane. Dodecane can be cracked to form
octane and one other hydrocarbon.
a) Describe how cracking is carried out.
Heat to vaporise dodecane. (1)
Pass the vapour over a catalyst. (1)
b) Complete the equation that represents this cracking reaction.
C2H4 (1)
C12H26 à C8H18 + 2__________
c) When cracking takes place, a large number of different products are
formed.
Suggest why a large number of different products are formed.
Any carbon-carbon bond in an alkane molecule can break. (1)


22 The alkanes are a family of saturated hydrocarbons. Their reactions include
combustion, cracking and substitution.
a) i) What is meant by the term ‘hydrocarbon’?
A hydrocarbon is a compound containing only hydrogen atoms and
carbon atoms. (1)
ii) What is meant by the term ‘saturated’?
In a saturated hydrocarbon, all the carbon-carbon bonds in the
hydrocarbon molecule are single covalent bonds. (1)
b) What is the general formula for the homologous series of alkanes?
CnH2n+2
c) The complete combustion of hydrocarbons produces carbon dioxide and
water only. Write the equation for the complete combustion of nonane,
C9H20.
C9H20(g / l) + 14O2(g) à 9CO2(g) + 10H2O(l) (1)


d) Cracking is used to obtain short-chain alkanes, alkenes and hydrogen from
long-chain alkanes.
i) Give a use for each of the three products listed above.
(1) short-chain alkanes In petrol / fuel / solvent (1)
(2) alkenes To make alcohols / plastics / polymers / solvents (1)
(3) hydrogen To make ammonia / fuel for fuel cell (1)
ii) Write an equation for the cracking of decane, C10H22, which produces
two different alkenes and hydrogen as the only products.
Example: C10H22 à C8H16 + C2H4 + H2 (1) / Accept other correct equation
e) Chlorine reacts with propane in a substitution reaction to form 1-
chloropropane: CH3CH2CH3 + Cl2 à CH3CH2CH2Cl + HCl
i) What is the essential condition for the above reaction?
Ultraviolet light / heat / radical initiator (1)
ii) There is more than one possible substitution reaction between chlorine
and propane. Suggest the structural formula of a different product.
CH3CHClCH3 (1)
(Cambridge IGCSE, 0620/33, Paper 3, Jun. 2014, 6)

23 Petroleum is processed to give a wide variety of hydrocarbons.
a) Give the names of ONE physical process and ONE chemical process
carried out during the processing of petroleum.
b) Both alkanes and alkenes can be obtained from petroleum. Alkanes and
alkenes are examples of homologous series.
i) Complete the table below.


ii) Give the term to describe hydrocarbons, such as alkene, containing a
C=C bond. Unsaturated hydrocarbons (1)
iii) Explain why alkanes are unreactive. Strong C−C and C−H bonds (1)
iv) Suggest a chemical test, giving the expected observation, to show the
presence of an alkene.
• Add an orange solution of bromine dissolved in 1,1,1-trichloroethane
to an alkene. (1)
The orange solution of bromine becomes colourless quickly. (1)
• Add a purple solution of cold acidified dilute potassium permanganate
solution to an alkene. (1)
The purple solution of potassium permanganate becomes colourless
quickly. (1)


24 The table below shows the percentage of fractions in petroleum and the demand for
them.


a) The exhaust of a diesel engine contains a higher concentration of
particulates than that of a petrol engine. Explain why.
The hydrocarbon molecules in diesel have a higher carbon to hydrogen ratio
than those in petrol. (1)
Diesel has a greater chance to undergo incomplete combustion to give
particulates. (1)
b) The low demand fractions are catalytically cracked. The general
equation for some reactions in this process is
alkane alkane + alkene
i) How does the bonding in an alkene molecule differ from the bonding in
an alkane molecule? An alkene molecule has a carbon-carbon
double bond while an alkane molecule has only single bonds. (1)
ii) The cracking of octadecane (C18H38) produces decane (C10H22) and one
other product. Write the chemical equation for this cracking reaction.


25 Used car engine oil can be recycled for use as a fuel by the processes of
distillation and cracking. A typical molecule of engine oil has the chemical
formula C40H82. This molecule can be cracked to produce smaller
molecules as shown in the equation below.
C40H82 à C16H34 + 2D
a) Suggest a possible molecular formula of D. C12H24 (1)
b) Suggest why high temperatures are used in cracking other than to speed
up the reaction.
To break the C−C and C−H bonds. / To break down the hydrocarbons. (1)


c) The compounds C40H82 and C16H34 are members of the same
homologous series.
Using C40H82 and C16H34 as example, illustrate TWO characteristics of
members of a homologous series.
Any two of the following:
• Members in a homologous series have the same general formula. (1)
The general formula for C40H82 and C16H34 is CnH2n+2. /
Each member in a homologous series differs from the next by a –CH2– unit. (1)
• Members in a homologous series have physical properties that show a
graduation. (1)
The boiling point of C40H82 is higher than that of C16H34. (1)
• Members in a homologous series have similar chemical properties. (1)
Both C40H82 and C16H34 undergo substitution reaction with chlorine. (1)


26 The diagram below shows an experimental set-up in which the glass wool
soaked with octane is heated occasionally and the broken unglazed
porcelain is heated strongly. Some gases are collected in the test tube over
water.


a) Name the type of reaction that occurs in the boiling tube. Suggest ONE
importance of this type of reaction in industry.
b) Explain why, instead of a large piece of unglazed porcelain, broken unglazed
porcelain is used in this experiment.
c) Suppose that during the experiment, octane changes to ethane gas and
propene gas only and they can be collected in the test tube.
i) Write the balanced equation for the reaction of changing octane to ethane
and propene.
ii) The gases collected in the test tube are shaken thoroughly with a few
drops of Br2 (in CH3CCl3) solution.
(1) State the expected observation.
(2) Draw the structure of the product formed from the reaction between
propene and Br2.
d) When no more gas can be collected, what should be done to end the
experiment for safety consideration? Explain your answer.
Answers for the questions of the public (HKDSE, Paper 1B, 2016, 3)
examinations in Hong Kong are not provided (if
applicable).

27 A teacher explained the different types of formulae used in carbon
chemistry, using propene as an example.
a) Complete the table below.


For each of the following reactions involving propene, state the expected
observation and write a chemical equation.
The orange solution of

bromine becomes
colourless quickly (1)
The purple solution of

potassium permanganate
becomes colourless quickly (1)


28 Cracking is an important process in the petrochemical industry.
a) What is the meaning of the term ‘cracking’?
Cracking is the breaking down of large hydrocarbon molecules with heat or
in the presence of a catalyst to produce smaller hydrocarbon molecules. (1)
b) Account for the importance of cracking in the petrochemical industry.
• To produce alkenes which can make a huge range of other compounds. (1)
• To convert heavy oil to petrol. (1)
c) Tridecane (C13H28) is used in an experiment to study cracking in a
school laboratory.
i) In one cracking reaction, tridecane forms octane and two alkenes.
Complete the equation to show the molecular formulae of the two
alkenes.
C2 H4
C13H28 à C8H18 + __________ C3H6 (1)
+ __________


ii) Draw a labelled diagram for the set-up used in the experiment,
including the collection of the gaseous products.


29 A structure of compound X is shown below.
a) Name TWO functional groups found in compound X.

Carbon-carbon double bond (1)
Hydroxyl group (1)
b) The structure of compound X is shown above as a skeletal formula.
Give the molecular formula of compound X.
C9H16O (1)


c) Compound X is an unsaturated compound.
i) What is the meaning of the term ‘unsaturated’? A compound
containing carbon-carbon double bond / carbon-carbon multiple bond (1)
ii) Describe a test to show that X is an unsaturated compound.
• Add an orange solution of bromine dissolved in 1,1,1-trichloroethane to X. (1)
The orange solution of bromine becomes colourless quickly. (1)
• Add a purple solution of cold acidified dilute potassium permanganate solution
to X. (1)
The purple solution of potassium permanganate becomes colourless quickly. (1)
d) After some lessons in carbon chemistry, a student made the following
statement: ‘Alkenes react with chlorine while alkanes do not.’
Do you agree with the student? Explain.
The student is wrong.
Alkenes react with chlorine in the dark by addition reaction. (1)
Alkenes react with chlorine under sunlight by free radical substitution. (1)


30 The chemical properties of cyclohexane
and cyclohexene are different.
Design experiments to show how they differ in their reactions with

oxygen in air and their reactions with bromine. Explain the differences.
Reaction with oxygen in air
Burn cyclohexane and cyclohexene on watch glasses separately. (1)
Cyclohexane gives a less sooty flame. / Cyclohexene gives a more sooty flame. (1)
Cyclohexane molecule has a lower carbon to hydrogen ratio than cyclohexene
molecule. Cyclohexane burns more completely. (1)
Reaction with bromine
Add an orange solution of bromine (in CH3CCl3) to cyclohexane and cyclohexene in test
tubes separately. (1)
The orange bromine solution becomes colourless quickly in cyclohexene. The orange
bromine solution becomes colourless slowly when added to cyclohexane in the
presence of ultraviolet light / heat. (1)
Cyclohexene undergoes an addition reaction with bromine while cyclohexane
undergoes a substitution reaction with bromine in the presence of ultraviolet light / heat.
(1) Communication mark (1)

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Topic 7 Fossil Fuels and Carbon Compounds

Unit 27 Alkanes and alkenes

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Continued on next page

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

Comparing the properties of

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

Air hole is fully open.

w Some of the octane in petrol undergoes complete combustion.

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

Air hole is closed.

w Different degrees of incomplete combustion of octane:

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

∴ the molecular formula of X is C6H12.

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

w This is a substitution reaction (取代反應)—one in which an

w The above methane reaction takes place in 3 stages:

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

w Using excess methane reduces the likelihood of further

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.1 Alkanes and alkenes (p.99)

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27.2 Demand and supply of petroleum

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27.2 Demand and supply of petroleum

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27.2 Demand and supply of petroleum

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27.2 Demand and supply of petroleum

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27.2 Demand and supply of petroleum