Question

Why alkanes are less reactive?

Answer 1

Dear student .Alkenes and alkynes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with atleast one double bond which is a Πbond, whereas alkanes contain only σ bonds. As σ bonds are stronger than Πbonds, alkanes are less reactive than alkenes and alkynes.

Alkanes contain carbon hydrogen single bond which is formed due to strong head on collision which results in C-H strong bonds which are not easy to break hence they do not react readily with other chemical species. Secondly the electronegativity of carbon and hydrogen is similar.

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