Classification Tests for Hydrocarbons

Authors: Goldie Ann Tejada, Allain Joseph S. Templo, Kristinlyn Trajano, Kevin Viray, Quennie Yu

Group 10, 2F-PH, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Santo Tomas

ABSTRACT

The test compounds undergo different physical and chemical tests to differentiate their intrinsic physical properties and chemical
properties. Physical state, color, and odor were noted through simple observation. Miscibility of the test compounds were noted
through color change or a warming effect. Flammability was tested by igniting 3-5 drops of the sample in a small evaporating dish.
Baeyer’s test and Bromine test were used for tests for active unsaturation. Aromaticity of the compound was determined through
nitration. Oxidation was tested by introducing 8 drops of 2% KMnO4 solution and 3 drops of 10% NaOH solution to 4 drops of the
sample organic compound in a test tube and warming the mixture through water bath. All of the test compounds are liquid and
colorless and observed to have a plastic like odor. Miscibility test shows that all of the organic compounds are immiscible and all are
flammable. Tests for active unsaturation indicate that hexane, heptane, cyclohexane, benzene and toluene are saturated while
cyclohexene is actively unsaturated. Hexane, heptane, benzene, and toluene are classified as aliphatic while cyclohexane, and
cyclohexene are aromatic. All are not oxidized except for cyclohexene.

Introduction Ignition test indicates the presence of unsaturation

or high carbon to hydrogen ratio. The Degree of
Hydrocarbons are compounds that contain only luminosity can be assessed by the presence of
carbon and hydrogen. Hydrocarbons can be yellow flame and soot. Aromatic compounds burn
aromatic or aliphatic depending on their structure. with sooty flame due to the incomplete combustion
Hydrocarbons that contain a delocalized ring of pi which causes the formation of an unburned carbon.
bonds are called aromatic hydrocarbons and those Bayer’s test is a test for double bonds or alkenes.
without a delocalized ring of pi bonds are called The reagent used for the test is 2% KMnO4.
aliphatic hydrocarbons. To be classified as Aromatic compounds show no reation in the test,
Aromatic, a compound must have an uninterrupted because of their stability. A positive result for
cyclic cloud of pi electrons above and below the Bayer’s test shows decolorization of a purple
plane of the molecule and there should be an odd solution and formation of a brown precipitate
number of pairs of pi electrons in its pi cloud. To be (MnO2). Bayer’s test involves a redox reaction were
classified as Aliphatic, a compound must have in Mn7+ is reduced to Mn4+ and alkene is oxidized
higher hydrogen-to-carbon ratios. Aliphatic to a diol. Alkenes react with potassium
hydrocarbons that contain only sigma bonds are permanganate (KMnO4) to give a diol and MnO2.
called saturated hydrocarbons and those containing Bromine test, like Bayer’s test, is a test for double
both sigma and pi bonds are called unsaturated bonds and aromatic compounds also show no
hydrocarbon. Aliphatic hydrocarbons are divided reaction in the test as they are known for their
into 3 classes: alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons stability. The reagents used are 0.5% Br2 in CCl4.
that contain only carbon-carbon single bonds. A Positive result shows decolorization of an orange
Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain solution. Bromine test involves electrophilic
at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Alkynes addition reaction were in Alkenes react with Br2 to
are unsaturated hydrocarbons that contain at least form a trans-dibromoalkane.
one carbon-carbon triple bond. Test for Aromaticity is determined through
Most hydrocarbons are colorless and odorless. Nitration. The reagents used are HNO3, H2SO4. A
Solubility of organic compounds in H2SO4 indicates Positive result shows a yellow oily layer. The
whether the sample is a very weak base (can be reaction involves electrophilic substitution reaction
protonated) or a neutral compound (can’t be were in H2SO4 acts as a catalyst and facilitates the
protonated). The dissolution of compounds in formation of nitronium ion (electrophile) and one
H2SO4 may also produce large amounts of heat hydrogen atom in the benzene ring is substituted by
and/or a change in the color of the solution and the nitronium ion.
precipitation; this means that the reaction can be Oxidation was tested using 2% KMnO4 and 10%
either violent or slow. NaOH. A Positive result shows a green solution and
a brown precipitate. The reaction involves redox
reaction and NaOH is used to provide a basic cool at room temperature. The resulting mixture
environment. The alkyl group of the aromatic will serve as nitrating mixture.
compound is oxidized to a carboxylic acid while 8 drops of the nitrating mixture was added to 5
Mn7+ is reduced to Mn6+ or Mn4+ depending on drops of the sample in a dry test tube and was
the extent of the reaction. vigorously shaken to ensure complete mixing. The
formation of a yellow layer or droplet was noted
Experimental and was diluted with 20 drops of water. If there was
no apparent reaction observed within a minute, the
Physical state, color, and odor test tube was placed in a water bath (50°C) for 10
The physical states of the sample were observed minutes. It was diluted with 20 drops of water and
at room temperature. Then the color and odor was the results were noted down.
noted.
Basic Oxidation
Solubility in Concentrated H2SO4
1 ml of concentrated H2SO4 was added to each 6 8 drops of 2% KMnO4 and 3 drops of 10% NaOH
test tubes. By using dry and calibrated droppers, a solution were added to 4 drops of the sample in a
drop of each sample was added to the test tubes. test tube. Each test tube was warmed in a water bath
Any color change or warming effects were noted. for 2 minutes and formation of a brown precipitate
was noted.
Ignition Test
3-5 drops of the sample were placed in a small Results and Discussions
evaporating dish and was lighted by using a match.
Presence and color of the flame were noted. It was observed that all 6 test compounds are
immiscible in concentrated H2SO4; since alkanes,
Tests for Active Unsaturation alkyl halides, aryl halides, and most hydrocarbons
are insoluble in concentrated H2SO4. All 6 test
Baeyer’s Test compounds are flammable. All except hexane and
heptane produced soot due to incomplete
2 drops of 2% KMnO4 was added to 5 drops of combustion which causes the formation of an
the sample in a dry test tube. The solution was unburned carbon. Only cyclohexene behaved as an
vigorously shaken and the rate and extent at which actively unsaturated hydrocarbon. Hexane, Heptane,
the reagent is decolorized was observed. The Benzene, and Toluene were considered as aromatic
formation of a brown suspension was noted and while the cyclohexane and cyclohexene are
compared to water as a negative control. The result aliphatic. Only cyclohexene was oxidized.
must be noted, once the reagent decolorized within
a minute.

Bromine Test
10 drops of 0.5% Br2 in CCl4 reagent were added
5 drops of the sample. The mixture was vigorously
shaken and the rate and extent by which the reagent
is decolorized was observed. It was compared to
water as a negative control. If the reagent failed to
decolorize within a minute, expose the reaction
mixture to sunlight and note down the results.

Test for Aromaticity

2 mL of conc. HNO3 was placed in an Erlenmeyer
flask and was immersed in an evaporating dish
containing water. 2mL of conc. H2SO4 was
gradually added to the flask and was allowed to
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