Alkanes :: essays research papers

AlkanesThe alkanes are the simplest form of organic compounds. They are made upof only Carbon atoms and Hydrogen atoms. All of the bonds are single and the soma of hydrogen atoms versus carbon atoms follows this formula CnH2n+2Alkanes are all non-polar molecules so they arent soluble in water. Here aresome more facts. -Referred to as " modify" -They have-low densities-low melting points-low boiling points -Refer to "Slide 29" sheetWe couldnt find any information on who discovered them. Or on the what,where, or when. hitherto the first alkane that was discovered was probablymethane. Because, of course, this is the gas that cows belch.The journal of toxology report that a 15 year old boy was stricken withhemiparesis "resulting from clear-sighted intoxication following inhalation of butanegas." Hemiparesis is when half of a persons body is paralyzed. Throughreactions alkanes can be transformed into chloroform. This has been shown toaccumulate in lungs of swimm ers after they swim for wide periods of time.As mentioned above chloroform can be produced which can be used foranesthesia. Also dichloromethane, or paint stripper and 1,2-dichloroethanewhich is a dry alter fluid. Here is a sample reaction where a halogenreplaces a hydrogen. CH4(g) + C12(g) ----> CH3Cl(g) + HCl(g)There are many uses for alkanes, for instance Propane is used in gasgrills, butane is used in cigarette lighters, through various reactionsscientists can buzz off paint stripper, anesthesia or dry cleaning fluid. ThePentanes and Hexanes are also highly flammable and make really cool explosions.Heptane, octane and nonane make up gasoline. The "Octane Scale" on gas pumpsuses a system which rates n-heptane at a 0 and isooctane at 100. currently propane gas is being studied to use it as a fuel for more