Reactivity of Alkenes and Alkanes

Aim: To distinguish between alkenes and alkanes.

Hypothesis: The more reactive reaction will be alkene and the other chemical
will be alkane.

Method:
1. Place three drops of bromine water into test tube A and shake until
mixture has combined.
2. Place three drops of bromine water into test tube B and shake until
mixture has combined.
3. Observe both test tubes and record results.

Risk Assessment:
Risk Prevention
Volatile Place liquids in a fume cupboard.
Flammable Keep away from sparks, heat and flame.

Results:
Test-tube Chemical Alkene/Alkane
A Hexane Alkane
B Hexene Alkene

Discussion:
The results achieved fulfilled the aim and proved the hypothesis correctly. The
reactions that occurred were:
C6H14(l) + Br2(aq)  C6H14Br2(l) (Hexane)
C6H12(l) + Br2(aq)  C6H12Br2(l) (Hexene)
The problems associated with this practical were, mixing the chemical after
the bromine water was added, as the chemical was a non-polar substance,
and also it was an immiscible substance. Some errors that occurred when
conducting this particular experiment was that too much bromine water was
added to the solution, making the results inaccurate. Also in the future, when
repeating this experiment, repetition will need to be used to make the results
more accurate.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the aim of the experiment was achieved as alkenes and
alkanes were distinguished. Chemical A was hexane and therefore alkane
and the solution did not decolorise and chemical B was hexene and therefore
alkene as the solution did decolorise. This experiment also proved the
hypothesis to be correct as the results demonstrated alkenes to be more
reactive than alkanes.

By: Ashley Bali