BACHELOR OF SCIENCES HONS IN BIOSCIENCE WITH

CHEMISTRY

NAME: ANUSIA A/P THEVENDARAN

ID:17WLR00332 ( RBS 1)
COURSE TITLE: BACH1623 ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
EXPERIMENT: 1
Objective: To observe the reactivity of the alkanes using cyclohexane as an example.

Introduction:
Cyclohexane is an example of an alkanes. Cyclohexane only contain carbon -hydrogen and
carbon-carbon single bonds but the carbon atoms are joined up in a ring. The general formula for
a cycloalkanes is CnH2n. Cyclohexane molecular formula is C6H12.Cyclohexane has a ring
structure ring structure. Cyclohexane has boiling point of 80.72 celcius higher than the
corresponding straight chain alkane.The chemical reactivity of cyclohexane is similar to the
alkanes in reactivity. Cyclohexane of carbon-hydrogen bonds are only very slightly polar and no
molecules carry any significant amount of positive or negative charge which other can be
attracted to. Cyclohexane can burn to destroying the whole molecule, react with some of the
halogens by breaking carbon-hydrogen bonds and also can crack by breaking carbon-carbon
bonds.

Materials:
Access to fume cupboard, Protective gloves, Cyclohexane( with teat -pipette), Bunsen -burner
and bench protection mat wood splints,1 dry test tubes cover with aluminium foil,5 dry test-tubes
with corks to fit,Test-tube rack, Bromine dissolved in 1,1,1-trichloroethane( with teat -pipette)
with 100 watt bulb, Bromine water( with teat pipette),diluted sulphuric acid,Potassium
permanganate(vii) solution 0.01 M KMnO4 concentrated sulphuric acid.

Procedure:
A. Combustion
Firstly, the watch glass was placed on a bench protection sheet in the fume cupboard.the
ventilation fan in the fume cupboard was switched on. Secondly, 3-4drops of
cyclohexane by using a teat-pipette was placed on the watch glass. Thirdly, stopper and
was remove the bottle of cyclohexane to a safe place away from the watch glass and any
Bunsen flames. Fourthly,the glass window of fume cupboard was pull down and a 30cm
was leave opened. Fifthly, a long splint was ligh up and this light was used on
cyclohexane. Then the glass window of the fume cupboard was lowered to a 10 cm
opened. Lastly, the observation was noted.

B. Reactions of bromine (dissolved in 1,1,1-trichloroethane)

Firstly,the two test-tubes was placed in a test tube rack in the fume cupboard. One of the
test tube was covered with aluminum foil and the second test tube is left uncover along
side.Safety spectacles and gloves was put on. Secondly, 25 drops of cyclohexane by used
a teat pipette and was poured in both test tube.Thirdly, the cyclohexane was stoppered
and removed it to a safe place away from flames. Fourthly,the glass window of fume
cupboard was pull down and a 30cm was leave opened.Fifthly,1 to 2 drops of solutions of
bromine in 1,1,1-trichloroethane by used a teat pipette and was poured in both test tube.
 Sixthly, the bromine bottle was stoppered. Seventhly, both test tube was shined in the UV
light lamp for about 3 minutes.
Lastly, the observation was noted on clear test tube and removed aluminum foil test tube.

C. Reaction of bromine water

Firstly, a cleaned test-tube was placed in a rack in the fume cupboard. Safety spectacles
and gloves was put on.Secondly, 25 drops of cyclohexane by used a teat-pipette and was
placed in the test-tube.Thirdly, the cyclohexane was stoppered and removed it to a safe
place away from flames. Fourthly,the glass window of fume cupboard was pull down and
a 30cm was leave opened.Fifthly,1-to 2 drops of bromine water by used a teat pipette was
poured in the test tube. Sixthly, the bromine bottle was stoppered. Seventhly, the test tube
was corked and shaked. Lastly, the observation was noted.

D. Reaction of acidified potassium permangnated(vii)

Firstly, a test tube was placed in a rack in the fume cupboard. Secondly, 25 drops of
cyclohexane by used a teat pipette and was poured in a test tube. Thirdly, the
cyclohexane was stoppered and removed it to a safe place away from flames. Fourthly, 5-
6 drops of diluted sulphuric acid solution was poured into test tube and the mixture was
mixed.Fifthly, 1-2 drops of potassium permangnated(vii) solution was poured and
mixed.Lastly, the observation was noted.

E. Reaction of concentrated sulphuric acid

Firstly, a test tube was placed in a rack in the fume cupboard. Secondly, 25 drops of
concentrated sulphuric acid by used a teat-pipette and was poured into the test tube.
Thirdly, 25 drops of cyclohexane by used a teat-pipette and was poured into the test tube.
Fouthly, the cyclohexane was stoppered and removed it to a safe place away from flames.
Lastly , the observation was noted.

Results: Reactions of alkanes

Reaction Observations
A. Combustion
Appearance of flame Yellow flame
Sootiness Small sootier
B. Action of bromine ( in 1,1,1-
dichloromethane)
1. In dark No reaction remains orange color
2. In light Light orange color
C. Action of bromine water No color change
D. Action of acidified potassium 2 layer (hydrocarbons float on top of the
permanganate(vii) acidified potassium permanganate)
No decolurised
E. Action of concentrated sulphuric acid No change, no cloudy.
 Discussions (questions):

1 Yes I consider alkanes to be unreactive because alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons and are
singly bonded (single bonds), and they do not have any double or triple bonds.This bond is
difficult to break and alkane almost completely inert.
2 (a) Alkanes produces Carbon dioxide and water.
(b)

(c)

3 (a)
It is known as single displacement reaction where one fuctional group in chemical compound is
replaced by another functional group.
(b)
(c) UV light
(d)
.
Conclusions:
Cyclohexane produce yellow flame and soot in combustions reaction, cyclohexane of bromine
in 1,1,1-dichloromethane in dark remain orange but in Uv light show light orange color. There
is no reaction with bromine water, acididfied potassium permanganate (vii) and concentrated
sulphuric acid. Cyclohexane is unreactive.

References :
1. Yip, P., 2013. STPM TEXT CHEMISTRY TERM 3,1st ed. Bandar baru bangi:
Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn.Bhd.
2. Jim Clark, THE COMBUSTION OF ALKANES AND CYCLOALKANES,viewed
25/10/2017, http://www.chemguide.co.uk/organicprops/alkanes/oxygen.html#top.
3. Jim Clark, THE HALOGENATION OF ALKANES AND CYCLOALKANES, viewed
25/10/2017, http://www.chemguide.co.uk/organicprops/alkanes/halogenation.html#top.