Polymers

What is an alkane?

An alkane is a hydrocarbon in which all carbon atoms are bonded by single atoms, this means they are saturated.

Monkeys eat pink bananas!

The alkanes are named according to the number of carbon atoms (methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane etc.)

How do you know it's an alkane?

Alkanes don't turn Bromine water colourless!

What is cracking?

Large hydrocarbon chains can be broken down into smaller, more useful substances, this is called cracking. 

 What conditions does this process need?

The process uses heat and a catalyst.

Why is cracking important?

Large hydrocarbon chains have limited use, due to their lack of flammability.