Application alkanes are quite diverse - they are used as fuel, as well as mechanics, medicine, etc.The role of these chemicals in modern life can not be overestimated.
Alkanes: a brief description of the properties and
alkanes are non-cyclic carbon compounds in which the carbon atoms are connected by simple saturated bonds.These substances represent a number with special properties and characteristics.The general formula for alkanes is as follows:
CnH2n + 2
N here represents the number of carbon atoms.For example, CH3, C2H6.
first four representatives of a number of alkanes - gaseous substances - is methane, ethane, propane and butane.The following compounds (from C5 to C17) - it is a liquid.Several continues compounds which under normal conditions are solids.
As for the chemical properties, the alkanes are less active - they almost do not interact with alkalis and acids.Incidentally, it is determined by use of the chemical properties of alkanes.
However, these compounds are characterized by certain reactions, including the replacement of hydrogen atoms and molecules splitting processes.
- most characteristic reaction is considered to halogenation in which the hydrogen atoms are replaced by halogen.Of great importance are the chlorination and bromination of the compounds.
- Nitration - nitro substitution of the hydrogen atom by reaction with a dilute (10% concentration) nitric acid.Under normal conditions, the alkanes do not react with acids.In order to carry out a similar reaction, the desired temperature of 140 ° C.
- Oxidation - under normal alkanes can not be exposed to oxygen.Nevertheless, after ignition in air, these substances react combustion final products which are water and carbon dioxide.
- Cracking - this reaction takes place only in the presence of catalysts needed.During the cleavage of persistent homology bonds between carbon atoms.For example, the cracking of butane can be prepared by reacting ethane and ethylene.
- Isomerization - as a result of the effects of certain catalysts can be some restructuring of the carbon skeleton of the alkane.
Application alkanes
main natural source of these substances are so valuable products, such as natural gas and oil.Applications alkanes today is very wide and varied.
example, gaseous substances used as a valuable source of fuel.An example is methane, which is composed of natural gas, and propane-butane mixture.
Another source of alkanes - oil , the value of which modern humanity is difficult to overestimate.K Petroleum products include:
- gasoline - used as fuel;
- kerosene;
- diesel, or light gas oil;
- heavy gas oil, which is used as a lubricating oil;
- oil distillation residues used to produce asphalt.
Petroleum products are also used for making plastics, synthetic fibers, rubbers and some detergents.
But the use of alkanes is much broader.Some liquid forms of these substances are used as solvents and as propellants.
Vaseline and liquid paraffin - products which consist of mixtures of alkanes.Their use in medicine and cosmetology (basically for the preparation of ointments and creams), as well as perfumes.
Paraffin - another well-known product which is a mixture of solid alkanes.This solid white mass, which the heating temperature is 50 - 70 degrees.In today's manufacturing wax used to make candles.The same material is impregnated with a match.In medicine, using paraffin spend all sorts of heat treatments.
