Organic Chemistry I: Hydrocarbons
Organic Chemistry · Hydrocarbons
Syllabus tag: KCSE | Chemistry | Form 3 | Topic 14 Organic Chemistry I (Hydrocarbons)
Lesson objectives
By the end of this topic, you should be able to:
- Define organic chemistry, homologous series and isomerism.
- Describe the alkanes, their preparation, properties and uses.
- Describe the alkenes and alkynes and their addition reactions.
- Explain the distinguishing test for saturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons.
Summary
Hydrocarbons contain carbon and hydrogen only. Alkanes (CₙH₂ₙ₊₂) are saturated, having only single bonds, and undergo substitution. Alkenes (CₙH₂ₙ) and alkynes (CₙH₂ₙ₋₂) are unsaturated, having double and triple bonds, and undergo addition. Unsaturation is shown by decolourising bromine water.