Resources:

Student textbook page 255-257

Firefly pages C9 Unit 2: Alkanes

Lesson 2: Alkanes and alkenes

ST and SP 
Success Criteria;

I can:

 Define empirical formulae and molecular formulae

 Define the terms homologous series
 Recall the general formula for alkanes
 Explain why alkanes are classified as saturated hydrocarbons
 Draw the structural and displayed formulae for alkanes with up to five carbon atoms in the
molecule
 Name the unbranched-chain alkane isomers with up to five carbon atoms in the molecule
using the rules of IUPAC
 Describe the reactions of alkanes with halogens in the presence of ultraviolet radiation,
limited to mono-substitution

Homologous series

TASK 1- Watch this video to learn about the types of formula that we encounter in studying organic
chemistry. Do not worry that some of the molecules such as Butanoic are new to you, the focus is the
type of formula not the compounds themselves. Some of you already watched this yesterday, now its
time to make some notes. You can use pages 256-257 of your textbooks and the poster on Organic
formulae to help you.

- Empirical formula
- Molecular formula
- General formula
- Structural formula
- Displayed formula

TASK 2- Watch up to 3:03 of Alkanes and Alkenes Fuse School video and answer the following
questions in full sentences in your books

1- Why area alkanes defined as saturated hydrocarbons?

2- What is the molecular structure of methane?
3- How many bonds does carbon need to make to be stable?
4- What is the general formula for alkanes?
 5- Complete the table below

Name Empirical Molecular Number of Condensed Displayed formula

formula formula carbons formula Full Structural
Methane
CH4 CH4 1 CH4

Ethane
C2H6 CH3 2

Propane
C3H8 3 CH3CH2CH3

Butane
4

Pentane
5

Decane
10

You may have noticed the difference in the formula of consecutive members of the series. The
difference in the formula between one member of the series and the next is ____

This is true for any homologous series, as you will see later.

There is one other important feature of a homologous series. As we go through the series you will
notice that the molecules are becoming _______________ and the relative molecular mass [R.M.M.]
is _____________.

This makes attractive forces between molecules stronger and therefore the alkanes become less
______________. In other words the melting point and boiling points _____________

This means that smaller alkanes are gases at room temperature e.g. methane, but as chain length
increases the alkanes become ____________ and the very long chain alkanes are _________ at room
temperature e.g. candle wax.

The table below shows the change in volatility as we ascend the series.

Alkane Boiling point State at room temperature

Methan
-167ºC Gas
e
Ethane - 89ºC Gas
Propane - 42ºC Gas
Butane 0ºC
 Pentane 36ºC Liquid
TASK 3- Watch the first 1 minute and 42 seconds of this entertaining video ‘What are the
features of a Homologous series’ by Richard Thornley and write a definition of a homologous
series.

TASK 4- Complete PPQ1 using Black pen, Blue pen, red pen and self-assess your answers using
the mark scheme attached.

Challenge:
Watch this video to consolidate your learning from the lesson so far. Make notes on the
following properties:

1- viscosity
2- flammability and
3- boiling point