Definitions of Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
Hydrocarbons contain only carbons and hydrogens.  Alkanes are noncyclic compounds that contain carbons and hydrogens.  Cycloalkanes are cyclic compounds that contain carbons and hydrogens. 

Background Information for Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
Alkanes and cycloalkanes are nonpolar and do not have intermolecular hydrogen bonding.  These compounds are hydrophobic, do not dissolve in water, and are less dense than water.  The boiling points and melting points of alkanes and cycloalkanes increase with increasing molecular weight.    The conformations of ethane are eclipsed and staggered.  The conformations of butane are totally eclipsed, gauche, eclipsed, and anti.  Smaller rings are more likely to undergo ring opening reactions. The main conformations of cyclohexane are chair and boat.  Cyclopropane has a carbon-carbon bond angle of 60^o.  Cyclobutane has a carbon-carbon bond angle of 90^o.  Cyclopentane has a carbon-carbon bond angle of 108^o.  Cyclohexane has a carbon-carbon bond angle of 109.5^o.  The chair conformation of cyclohexane is the most stable, with the hydrogens furthest apart.  The boat conformation of cyclohexane is the least stable, with the hydrogens the closest. 

Uses of Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
The uses of alkanes and cycloalkanes are defined by the carbon number:  C1 B C4 B natural gas, petroleum gas, C5 B C12 B motor fuel, C12 B C13 B kerosene, C15 B C25 B diesel, C16 - C30  -- heavy oil, >C25 B petroleum jelly or paraffin wax, and residue B asphalt.

IUPAC Nomenclature for Alkanes and Cycloalkanes
The longest continuous chain is the parent compound.  Number from whichever end that gives the lowest possible combination of numbers for the alkyl groups. Number the cycloalkane so that the lowest possible combination of numbers are used for the substituents.  If the compound contains an aliphatic ring and an aliphatic chain, the parent compound is the one with the most carbons.

Common Nomenclature
Use n, iso, sec, tert, and neo prefixes.

Reactions of Alkanes
Combustion converts alkanes to carbon dioxide and water.  Cracking of hydrocarbons at high temperatures yield a mixture of smaller alkanes and alkenes. Halogenation of alkanes occurs with halogen in the presence of heat or light and through a radical mechanism. In the mechanism of halogenation, radicals are formed in initiation.  In propagation, radicals are consumed and radicals are formed.  In termination, the radical are consumed.

Reactions of Cycloalkanes
Halogenation of cycloalkanes occurs in the presence of heat or light to form a halogenated cycloalkane. Ring opening of cyclopropane occurs with hydrogen halide to form 1-halopropane. Ring opening of cyclopropane occurs with halogen to give 1,3-dichloropropane. Ring opening of cyclopropane occurs with hydrogen to produce propane.  Ring opening of cyclobutane occurs with hydrogen to produce butane.

Flash Movie	Flash Game	Flash Card
Core Concept Tutorial	Problem Solving Drill	Review Cheat Sheet

Hydrocarbons, alkanes, and cycloalkanes will be defined.  Alkanes and cycloalkanes can be described in terms of their structure, properties, and uses.  The conformations of ethane, butane, and cyclohexane are explained.  Alkanes and cycloalkanes can be named by IUPAC or common nomenclature.  Reactions of alkanes include combustion, cracking, and halogenation.  The radical mechanism of the halogenation of alkanes are described. The reactions of cycloalkanes include the halogenation of cycloalkanes, the ring opening reactions of cyclopropane, and the ring opening reaction of cyclobutane.

This tutorial provides the comprehensive coverage of the chapter with easy introduction and simple illustration. It features:

• Concept map showing interconnections of new concepts in this tutorial and those previously introduced.
• Definition slides introduce terms as they are needed.
• Visual representation of concepts.
• Use of colors to emphasis points.
• Outline of chemical properties, structures, and uses.
• Easy-to-follow animations of stated rules of nomenclature.
• Drawings to illustrate conformations.
• Detailed stepwise explanations and animations of reactions and mechanisms.
• Examples worked out step-by-step throughout the tutorial.
• A concise summary is given at the conclusion of the tutorial.

Definitions

• Hydrocarbons
• Alkanes
• Cycloalkanes

Background Information for Alkanes and Cycloalkanes

• Properties
• Structure (Conformations)
• Uses

Nomenclature for Alkanes and Cycloalkanes

• IUPAC
• Common

Reactions of Alkanes

• Combustion
• Cracking
• Halogenation (Mechanism)

Reactions of Cycloalkanes

• Halogenation of Cycloalkanes
• Ring Opening of Cyclopropane
• Ring Opening of Cyclobutane