Reactions of Alkenes and Alcohols (chemistry only)

Organic Chemistry

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Homologous Series: Alkenes

Alkenes are one example of a homologous series. They:

  • have the general formula of CnH2n
      this means that for every 1 carbon atom in an alkane, there are two times the amount of hydrogens
  • differ by CH2 in molecular formulae from neighbouring compounds
      increasing the carbon chain length by 1 carbon atom, also increases the number of hydrogens by 2
  • show a gradual variation in physical properties
      boiling points increase with increased carbon chain length
      viscosity increases with increased carbon chain length
  • have similar chemical properties

Because alkenes contain at least one double bond between carbon atoms, we describe them as unsaturated compounds. Think of when a sponge cannot hold any more water, it is "full". A saturated molecule can't fit any more single bonds into it. Alkenes can fit more single bonds in (once the double bonds are broken).

Homologous Series: Alkenes

Alkenes can have more than one carbon-carbon double bond, however you will only ever be expected to draw an alkene with one of these bonds.

For ethene and propene, the double bond can only go in one place, however for any chains longer than 3 carbons - this can get a bit more complicated. You need to know the structures of all the isomers of butene that can form due to the double bond being in one of two places.

Reactions of Alkenes

Addition reactions

The functional group (double carbon bond, C=C) allows alkenes to undergo addition reactions. The reaction is an 'addition' reaction because one molecule combines with another molecule, forming one larger molecule and no other products.

The test for alkenes makes use of the addition reaction, and involves adding bromine water to a sample of hydrocarbon. If an alkane is present the solution stays orange-brown, but an alkene will turn the solution colourless. This is because the bromine is added across the carbon-carbon double bond.

Combustion

Alkenes react with oxygen in combustion reactions in the same way as other hydrocarbons, but they tend to burn in air with smoky flames because of incomplete combustion.

The complete combustion of alkanes and alkenes involves the oxidation of both the carbon and hydrogen atoms in hydrocarbons, producing carbon dioxide and water. For example:

ethane + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

2C2H6(g) + 7O2(g) → 4CO2(g) + 6H2O(l)

ethene + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water

C2H4(g) + 3O2(g) → 2CO2(g) + 2H2O(l)

Testing for Alkenes (bromine water)

Homologous Series: Alcohols

Alcohols are one example of a homologous series. They:

  • have the general formula of CnH2n+1OH
      this means that for every 1 carbon atom in an alcohol, there are two times the amount of hydrogens... plus one more, and an OH group
  • differ by CH2 in molecular formulae from neighbouring compounds
      increasing the carbon chain length by 1 carbon atom, also increases the number of hydrogens by 2
  • show a gradual variation in physical properties
      boiling points increase with increased carbon chain length
      viscosity increases with increased carbon chain length
  • have similar chemical properties

Alcohols have the functional group of -OH (hydroxyl) which gives rise to the ending of alcohol. It is responsible for the general reactions that all alcohols can do.

The longer the carbon chain of an alcohol, the more energy the molecule stores. When burned, this energy is released in the form of heat and can be measured using a calorimeter.

Homologous Series: Alcohols

Production of Ethanol

Fermentation

glucose → ethanol + carbon dioxide

Most ethanol is made from plants, making it a renewable resource. The process is called fermentation, and requires:

  • water
  • yeast enzymes
  • an absence of oxygen (an anaerobic process)
  • temperatures between 25 - 35 °C

The yeast dies when the ethanol concentration reaches about 15%.

Fermentation is a slow reaction and takes several days or weeks to finish. If any air is present, the oxygen oxidises the ethanol to make ethanoic acid, making the drink taste of vinegar. 

Purification

Fermentation will produce a dilute solution of ethanol, and needs to be purified to remove water and other liquids (removed by fractional distillation), insoluble substances (removed by filtration), to produce pure ethanol.

Homologous Series: Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are one example of a homologous series. They:

  • have the general formula of CnH2n+1COOH
      this means that for every 1 carbon atom in a carboxylic acid, there are two times the amount of hydrogens... plus one more, and a COOH group
  • differ by CH2 in molecular formulae from neighbouring compounds
      increasing the carbon chain length by 1 carbon atom, also increases the number of hydrogens by 2
  • show a gradual variation in physical properties
      boiling points increase with increased carbon chain length
      viscosity increases with increased carbon chain length
  • have similar chemical properties

Carboxylic acids have the functional group of -COOH (carboxyl) which gives rise to the ending of carboxylic acid. It is responsible for the general reactions that all carboxylic acids can do.

Homologous Series: Carboxylic Acids

Reactions of Alcohols and Carboxylic Acids

Alcohols

  • colourless liquids that dissolve in water to form neutral solutions
  • can be dehydrated to form alkenes (produces a water molecule)
  • will react with the alkali metals to produce hydrogen and a metal hydroxide (like sodium would with water)
  • burn in air to produce carbon dioxide and water (complete combustion)
  • can be oxidised to make a carboxylic acid in the presence of an oxidising agent (shown as [O])

Carboxylic acids

  • dissolve in water to form acidic solutions (pH values less than 7)
  • react with metals to form a salt and hydrogen
  • react with bases to form a salt and water
  • react with carbonates to form a salt, water and carbon dioxide