Practical 4: Test For Unsaturation
Introduction:
Hydrocarbons, compounds which contain only carbon and hydrogen, can be
classified into several types, depending on their structure. Alkanes have only
single bonds, and are said to be saturated; alkenes and alkynes have carboncarbon double or triple bonds, and are said to be unsaturated.
Aim:
The aim of this lab is to allow students to observe the orange-red colour of the
bromine solution when added to an unsaturated organic compound /
hydrocarbon.
Equipment:
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Test tubes
Test tube rack
Droppers
Measuring cylinders
Wash bottles
Safety Goggles
Safety Gloves
Bromine water
Cyclohexane and cyclohexene (reagents)
Hexane or hexane (reagents)
Procedures:
1. Put 1mL portions of cyclohexane or hexane into 2 separate test tubes.
2. Add 10-15 drops of bromine water
3. After shaking the tubes, place one in the dark, (under the counter) and
expose the other to sunlight or a bright light for a few minutes.
4. Then compare the colour of the 2 tubes.
5. Add 1mL of cyclohexene or hexane to a clean test tube.
6. Add 10-15 drops of bromine water, shake the tube and observe the
result.
7. Record your observations in the Table of results.
8. Insert a proper title for the table.
Results:
Table 1
Test tube #
1
2
3
4
Discussion:
Conclusion:
Reagent used
Observation