Learning objectives
Describe the free-radical substitution of alkanes by chlorine or bromine in UV light through initiation, propagation and termination steps, and explain why alkanes are unreactive towards polar reagents
Describe how alkanes and alkenes are obtained (cracking with heat and Al₂O₃, hydrogenation over Pt or Ni, elimination of HX from halogenoalkanes, dehydration of alcohols) and the complete and incomplete combustion of alkanes
Explain the environmental effects of carbon monoxide, oxides of nitrogen and unburnt hydrocarbons from engines, and how catalytic converters remove them
Describe the electrophilic addition of H₂, steam, hydrogen halides and halogens to alkenes, give the mechanisms for Br₂ + ethene and HBr + propene, and explain Markovnikov addition from carbocation stability (tertiary > secondary > primary)
Describe the bromine-water test for C=C and the oxidation of alkenes by cold dilute and by hot concentrated acidified KMnO₄, using the cleavage products to locate the double bond
Deduce the repeat unit and monomer of addition polymers such as poly(ethene) and poly(chloroethene), and explain why poly(alkene)s are difficult to dispose of
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