Properties of Alkanes Physical Properties Alkanes containing four carbon atoms (i.e. methane, ethane, propane and butane) are colorless, odorless gases. Alkanes containing five to seventeen carbons atoms are colorless , odorless liquids. Higher alkanes are also colorless, odorless solids. Chemical Properties Halogenation of Alkanes A reaction in which a hydrogen of alkane is replaced by a halogen atom is called halogenation. In diffused Sunlight Halogenation takes place in the presence of diffused sunlight. If halogen is present large quantity, this reaction continues to take place as follows. The chlorination of methane usually produce a mixture of products. In Direct Sun light Reaction of methane with chlorine in direct sunlight is explosive and gives carbon and HCl. The halogens react with alkane with following reactivity order: F2 > Cl2 > Br2 > I2. Fluorine reacts explosive; Chlorine reacts slowly in dark at room temperature but rapidly in strong sun...
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