Experiment - Testing Hydrocarbons for Unsaturation using Bromine
Topic: 10.2 Organic Chemistry
Time Allowed: 15 minutes
Description: A solution of bromine in hexane (“bromine water”) is used to detect whether an organic
compound is unsaturated. Unsaturated compounds rapidly decolourise the bromine.
Apparatus (per group):


One plastic or ceramic well plate.
One empty plastic pipette
Chemicals (per group):
Solutions and liquids contained in plastic pipettes:
 Cyclohexane
 Cyclohexene
 Limonene
 Solution of bromine in hexane (“bromine water”).
Safety:
Wear lab coats and eye protection. It is the responsibility of the teacher to carry out a risk assessment.
Procedure:
1. Using a plastic pipette, add three drops of the bromine solution to each of three wells in a well-plate.
2. Put three drops of each of the organic liquids under test into the wells and observe any changes.
Discussion Question:
1. Which types of liquid decolourise bromide?