Properties and Applications of Hydrocarbons
Recall:
 As molecular polarity increases, boiling point increases.
 As molecular polarity increases, solubility in water increases.
Type
Structure
Polarity
Solubility in
Water
Uses
Alkanes
non-polar
-insolube in water
-dissolve in organic
solvents
-commercial fuels, natural
gas,
Alkenes
non-polar
-insolube in water
-dissolve in organic
solvents
-starting material
(monomers) for polymers
-addition reaction starting
material
Alkynes
non-polar
-insoluble in water
-dissolve in organic
solvents
-used in welding
Aromatics
non-polar
-insoluble in water
-dissolve in organic
solvents
-foods, drugs, explosives,
major source of coal tar
Alcohols
OH groups are
polar
-soluble in water
-antifreeze, fuel (ethanol),
beverages
Aldehydes
carbonyl groups are
polar
-soluble in water
Ketones
carbonyl groups are
polar
-soluble in water
-cinnamaldehyde gives
cinnamon its flavor and
odour –also in perfumes
-can produce carboxylic
acids
-solvent, paint remover,
fingernail polish remover
Carboxylic
Acids
carbonyl and OH
groups are polar
-smaller acids are
soluble in water
-in food, e.g. acetic acid is
vinegar. –used in
preparation of esters, drugs,
soaps
Ethers
bent shape around
oxygen so polar. C-O
bond less polar than
OH so less polar than
alcohol
-usually soluble
-aerosol spray propellant,
used in cosmetics and
pharmaceuticals
Esters
C-O bonds and
carbonyl groups are
polar
-usually soluble, less
so with increasing
chain length
-artificial flavours,
perfumes, taste of many
fruits
Amines
C-N bonds and N-H
bonds are polar
-6 carbon amines or
less are soluble
-fabric softeners, parts of
valuable pharmaceuticals
like novocaine.
Amides
C-N bonds and
carbonyl groups are
polar
-smaller amides are
soluble
-part of important polymers
like nylon
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