Analysis of Hydrocarbons

Analysis of Hydrocarbons

Josemarie Roxas*, Lindley Susi, Thea Tiongco and Aple Umipig

2-Biology 6, College of Science, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines

Abstract

 The unknown hydrocarbon sample was differentiated and characterized by the use of three tests, Nitration Test, Bromine Test, and Permanganate Test. From these results the unknown sample can be classified as aromatic, non-aromatic, saturated and unsaturated.  

Introduction

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that composed of only hydrogen and carbon. There are two major types of hydrocarbons; aliphatic (saturated and unsaturated) and aromatics. 

Aliphatic compounds are characterized by a continuous or branched chain arrangement. Aliphatic compounds are subdivided into two; saturated and unsaturated. Saturated hydrocarbons are characterized by single bonds between adjacent carbon atoms. Saturated hydrocarbons are alkanes and cycloalkanes, this compounds are relatively inert and do not react with common laboratory reagents. Alkanes do, however react with oxygen, halogens and other substances under control conditions. All members of alkane series have the general chemical formula CnHn-1. Alkanes are insoluble in water; other physical properties vary with molecular weight. Members C1 to C4 are gasses at room temperature and pressure; C5 to C17 are liquids. Higher members are solids and usually called as paraffin. Cycloalkanes or alicyclic compounds are rings of carbons. Cycloalkanes have a general formula of CnH2n. They are less flexible than the open chains, because open chain molecules can rotate to reduce stress while alicyclic compounds have less freedom of rotation. On the other hand, an aromatic is a hydrocarbon with alternating double and single bonds between carbon atoms. The configuration of six carbon atoms in aromatic compounds is known as a benzene ring, after the simplest possible such hydrocarbon, benzene. Aromatic hydrocarbons can be monocyclic (MAH) or polycyclic (PAH)....