H
H 3 C(H 2 C) 7
H
(CH 2 ) 12 CH 3
Muscalure (sex attractant of common housefly)
4) Many insect sex attractants have been synthesized and are used to lure insects
into traps as a means of insect control.
4.17 CHEMICAL REACTIONS OF ALKANES
- C—C and C—H bonds are quite strong: alkanes are generally inert to many
chemical reagents.
- C—H bonds of alkanes are only slightly polarized ⇒ alkanes are generally
unaffected by most bases.
- Alkane molecules have no unshared electrons to offer sites for attack by acids.
- Paraffins (Latin: parum affinis, little affinity).
- Reactivity of alkanes:
- Alkanes react vigorously with oxygen when an appropriate mixture is
ignited —— combustion.
- Alkanes react with chlorine and brmine when heated, and they react
explosively with fluorine.
4.18 SYNTHESIS OF ALKANES AND CYCLOALKANES
4.18A HYDROGENATION OF ALKENES AND ALKYNES
- Catalytic hydrogenation:
- Alkenes and alkynes react with hydrogen in the presence of metal catalysts such
as nickel, palladium, and platinum to produce alkanes.
