combustion of alkanes

Why are alkanes unreactive

They are not polar and have strong covalent bonds. Low electronegativity difference between C and H

What can the combustion of alkanes be used for

Power generation, heating and transportation

Complete combustion of alkanes

When there is enough oxygen, alkanes combust completely and form CO2 and H2O

What are the key points of combusting alkanes

Alkanes in liquid state must be vaporised first, smaller alkanes combust faster as they have low BP, larger alkanes release more energy as they have more bonds

What happens in incomplete combustion

The alkane forms CO and H2O

What else can incomplete combustion produce

Solid carbon or soot and unburnt hydrocarbons into the atmosphere