Act. no.

28 Properties and Reactions of Alkanes

OBJECTIVE:

This activity compares the reactions of numerous liquid alkanes and alkenes with bromine water.

PROCEDURE:

*The first test tube contains cyclohexene and the second test tube contains cyclohexane. The
cyclohexene decolorizes the bromine water and changes the potassium manganate from purple to
brown. There will be no color change if cyclohexane is used instead of cyclohexene. Alkenes are
unsaturated and decolorize an orange solution of bromine water while alkanes are saturated and do not
react with bromine water, so the orange color persists.

Combustion of cyclohexane and cyclohexene

Flammability:

*Place about 5 drops of the liquid in an evaporating basin.

*Set the liquid on fire by placing a lighted taper or splint near it.

*Note the color and smokiness on the flame in each case.

*In addition, note whether any carbon residue is left in the dish.

RESULTS:

Cyclohexane produces less color intensity and less soot given off during combustion test compared to
cyclohexene. Because cyclohexane is a saturated hydrocarbon and cyclohexene is an unsaturated
hydrocarbon due to the presence of double bond. Both hydrocarbons produce carbon dioxide and water
during combustion test. When the oxygen is limited, the product will be carbon monoxide and water.
Cyclohexene burns and produces more soot because of the higher percentage of carbon compared to
cyclohexane.