Resources:

Student textbook page 255-257

Firefly pages C9 Unit 2: Alkanes

Lesson 2: Alkanes and alkenes

ST and SP 
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? They only contain single bonds
2- What is the molecular formula of methane? CH4
3- How many bonds does carbon need to make to be stable? 4
4- What is the general formula for alkanes? CnH2n+2
5- Complete the table below:

Name Molecular Number Structural formula Displayed formula

Empirical
formula of
formula
carbons
Methane
CH4 CH4 1 CH4

Ethane
CH3 C2H6 2 CH3CH3

Propane
C3H8 C3H8 3 CH3CH2CH3

Butane
C2H5 C4H10 4 CH3CH2 CH2CH3

Pentane
C5H12 C5H12 5 CH3CH2 CH2 CH2CH3

Decane
C5H12 C10H22 10 CH3CH2 CH2 CH2CH2CH2 CH2CH2 CH2CH3
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 CH2
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 longer and
the relative molecular mass [R.M.M.] is increasing
This makes attractive forces between molecules stronger and therefore the alkanes become less volatile. In other words the melting point and boiling
points increases.
This means that smaller alkanes are gases at room temperature e.g. methane, but as chain length increases the alkanes become liquids and the very
long chain alkanes are solids at room temperature e.g. candle wax.

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