Alkanes Reactions + Catalysts

Combustion

Free Radical Substitution

• UV for initiation ONLY

Cracking

when a larger alkane is broken down into a smaller one

Heat, Pressure and Catalyst

Reforming

• turning an alkane into an aromatic compound

• Heat and Catalyst

Hydrogenation (Preparation)

• Adding hydrogen to an alkene or alkyne

• Raney Nickel and 140-180 Celsius

Wurtz Reaction

• two SYMMETRICAL alkyl halides (like bromides or chlorides) react with sodium metal, leading to the formation of a new alkane. This reaction is often used to create larger alkanes by joining smaller ones.

• heat under reflux and dry ether + Na

Decarboxylation

• removing the COOH group and adding an H

• Soda-lime or NaOh and HEAT