Hydrocarbons

• Introduction & Classification

  • Alkanes (Saturated, Paraffins, $C_nH_{2n+2}$)
  • Alkenes (Unsaturated, Olefins, $C_nH_{2n}$)
  • Alkynes (Unsaturated, Acetylenes, $C_nH_{2n-2}$)
  • Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Arenes, Benzene derivatives)

• Alkanes

  • Nomenclature & Isomerism
    • IUPAC naming rules
    • Chain isomerism
    • Conformations (Sawhorse and Newman projections)
    • Staggered vs. Eclipsed conformations (Stability & Torsional strain)
  • Preparation Methods
    • Hydrogenation of alkenes/alkynes
    • Wurtz reaction
    • Decarboxylation of sodium salts of fatty acids
    • Reduction of alkyl halides
  • Chemical Properties
    • Halogenation (Free radical mechanism: Initiation, Propagation, Termination)
    • Combustion (Complete and incomplete)
    • Controlled oxidation
    • Aromatization (Reforming)
    • Isomerization

• Alkenes

  • Structure & Isomerism
    • Carbon-carbon double bond ($sp^2$ hybridization, $\sigma$ and $\pi$ bonds)
    • Geometrical isomerism (Cis-Trans isomerism)
  • Preparation Methods
    • Dehydration of alcohols
    • Dehydrohalogenation of alkyl halides (Elimination / $\beta$-elimination)
    • Partial hydrogenation of alkynes (Lindlar's catalyst)
  • Chemical Properties
    • Electrophilic addition reactions
      • Addition of hydrogen, halogens, water, and hydrogen halides
      • Markovnikov's rule
      • Peroxide effect (Anti-Markovnikov addition / Kharash effect)
    • Oxidation (Cold dilute $KMnO_4$ / Baeyer's reagent test, Ozonolysis)
    • Polymerization (Polyethene, PVC)

• Alkynes

  • Structure & Isomerism
    • Carbon-carbon triple bond ($sp$ hybridization, one $\sigma$ and two $\pi$ bonds)
    • Position and chain isomerism
  • Preparation Methods
    • Calcium carbide hydrolysis
    • Vicinal dihalides dehydrohalogenation
  • Chemical Properties
    • Acidic character of alkynes (Reaction with Na, $NaNH_2$)
    • Electrophilic addition reactions (Hydrogen, Halogens, HX, Water via mercuric sulfate)
    • Cyclic polymerization (Formation of benzene from ethyne)

• Aromatic Hydrocarbons (Arenes)

  • Introduction & Aromaticity
    • Hückel's Rule ($4n + 2$ $\pi$ electrons)
    • Benzene structure (Resonance, delocalized $\pi$ system)
  • Preparation of Benzene
    • Cyclic trimerization of ethyne
    • Decarboxylation of sodium benzoate
  • Chemical Properties (Electrophilic Aromatic Substitution)
    • Nitration
    • Halogenation
    • Sulfonation
    • Friedel-Crafts alkylation and acylation
  • Directive Influence of Functional Groups in Monosubstituted Benzenes
    • Ortho/Para directors (activating)
    • Meta directors (deactivating)
  • Carcinogenicity and Toxicity