Question

State one chemical and one physical property of ethane. Suppose that in the molecule of ethane:
(a) one $\mathrm{H}$-atom is replaced by $\mathrm{OH}$.
(b) Two $\mathrm{H}$-atoms are removed
State in each case the name, one chemical property, and one physical property of the new compound formed.

Answer 1

• Ethane is a member of the Alkane group. The molecular formula of Ethane is ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_6$.
• A physical property of Ethane: Ethane is a colorless and odorless gas at room temperature.
• A chemical property of Ethane: Combustion of Ethane will produce Carbon dioxide (${\mathrm{CO}}_2$) and Water (${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$).

(a) one $\mathrm{H}$-atom is replaced by $\mathrm{OH}$

• When one $\mathrm{H}$-atom of Ethane is replaced by $\mathrm{OH}$, then the formed compound will be Ethanol.
• A physical property of Ethanol: Ethanol is a colorless liquid, having a characteristic pleasant odor at room temperature.
• A chemical property of Ethanol: Combustion of Ethanol will produce Carbon dioxide and Water.
• The reaction is given below:

$\underset{\mathrm{Ethanol}}{{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_5\mathrm{OH}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{3{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Carbon}\mathrm{dioxide}}{2{\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Water}}{3{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}$

(b) Two $\mathrm{H}$-atoms are removed

• When two $\mathrm{H}$-atoms are removed from Ethane, then there will the formation of a double between the Carbon ($\mathrm{C}$) atoms.
• Therefore, the newly formed compound will be Ethene (${\mathrm{CH}}_2={\mathrm{CH}}_2$).
• A physical property of Ethene: Ethanol is a colorless gas, having a sweet odor at room temperature.
• A chemical property of Ethene: Combustion of Ethene will produce Carbon dioxide and Water.
• The reaction is given below:

$\underset{\mathrm{Ethene}}{{\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_4\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Oxygen}}{3{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}\to \underset{\mathrm{Carbon}\mathrm{dioxide}}{2{\mathrm{CO}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)}+\underset{\mathrm{Water}}{2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)}$