Alkanes (Edexcel)

5 well structured chemistry lessons covering topics on Alkanes (Year 12) suitable for the Edexcel specification.

Lesson 1: Properties of Alkanes

1. To know alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons containing sigma (σ)bonds that are free to rotate
2. Explain the shape and bond angle round each carbon atom in alkanes in terms of electron pair repulsion
3. Describe and explain the variations in boiling points of alkanes with different carbon chain lengths and branching in terms of London forces

Lesson 2: Free Radical Substitution of Alkanes

1. To know what a free radical is
2. To describe the reaction mechanism for the free-radical substitution of alkanes including initiation, propagation and termination
3. To analyse the limitations of radical substitution in synthesis by formation of a mixture of organic products

Lesson 3: Fractional Distillation of Crude Oil

1. Describe what crude oil contains and to understand its uses
2. Explain how crude oil is separated into useful fractions on an industrial scale
3. Explain how crude oil is separated into useful fractions on an industrial scale

Lesson 4: Cracking and Reforming

1. To explain what thermal and catalytic cracking is
2. To compare and evaluate the conditions for and the products of thermal and catalytic cracking
3. To explain what reforming is and to construct equations illustrating reforming

Lesson 5: Combustion of Alkanes

1. To understand why alkanes are good fuels
2. To recall the complete and incomplete combustions equations (both word and symbol) of alkanes
3. To explain the environmental problems associated with pollutant products when alkanes are used as fuels
4. To explain the use of catalytic convertors to remove gaseous pollutants produced during alkane combustion

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