Analysis of Hydrocarbons

MENDENILLA, Angel
MIRANDILLA, Rea *
MOSTACHO, Bianca
NUNEZ, Rose
2 Psychology 1
College of Science
University of Santo Tomas
Espana, Manila

March 26, 2015

Abstract
In this experiment, the structural features of the given hydrocarbon will be identified
using specific chemical and instrumental methods. The sample were mixed with different
reagents using different tests to identify what type of hydrocarbons do they belong. Results
showed that in different tests, different properties are used to determine hydrocarbon from each
type.
Introduction
Hydrocarbons are a primary energy source for current civilizations. They are the simplest
organic compounds, containing only carbon and hydrogen, they can be straight-chain, branched
chain, or cyclic molecules. By using this definition, four classes of hydrocarbons are included:
saturated hydrocarbons (alkanes), unsaturated hydrocarbons (alkenes), cyclohexanes (alkynes)
and aromatics. Saturated hydrocarbons are the simplest of the hydrocarbon species. They are
composed entirely of single bonds and are saturated with hydrogen. These are the basis of
petroleum fuels and are found as either linear or branched species. Unsaturated hydrocarbons
have one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms. Cyclohexanes are hydrocarbons
containing one or more carbon rings to which hydrogen atoms are attached. Aromatic
compounds derive their names from the fact that many of these compounds in the early days of
discovery were grouped because they were oils with fragrant odors.
There were different tests that were used in identifying what type of hydrocarbon is used.
Nitration test is used to determine whether the sample is aromatic or aliphatic. If it has the
presence of yellow oil, then it is aromatic and when it doesnt have any, it is an aliphatic solution.
Bromine test is a qualitative test for the presence of unsaturation. Its used to check or saturate the

alkenes from each other. Basic oxidation test will identify unsaturated and aromatic with alkyl
side chain or without alkyl side chain.
The objectives of this experiment are to identify the structural features of a given
hydrocarbon by employing specific chemical and instrumental methods, to be able to
differentiate various types of hydrocarbons by devising a scheme and to be able to characterize
an unknown hydrocarbon through parallel chemical tests.
Methodology
There are three different tests that are used in performing this experiment. For the first
test, the nitration test, five drops of each standard with eight drops of nitrating mixture were
added in the sample. Twenty drops of H2O was then dropped into the test tube containing each
sample. For the bromine test, five drops of sample with three drops of bromine reagent were
added. If it is decolorized, bromine is added until no change is observed. We noted the total drops
added. For the basic oxidation test, five drops of sample with three drops of KMnO 4 reagent and
2 drops 10% NaOH were added. After adding the standards, the mixture was warmed in a water
bath for 2 minutes. The color change was noted afterwards.

Results and Discussion

Table 1.1 Data table of Group 6

SX/TEST

NITRATION TEST

BROMINE TEST

Hexane

colorless clear
solution
no precipitate
colorless clear
solution
no precipitate
with yellow
precipitate
with yellow oil

orange precipitate

Hexene

Naphthalene
Toluene
U1
(Toluene)
U2
(Naphthalene)
U3
(Toluene)
U4

colorless clear
solution
no precipitate
with yellow
precipitate
with yellow
precipitate
with yellow

BASIC OXIDATION
TEST
darkest violet

immediate
discoloration

with brown precipitate

dark orange
precipitate
yellow brown
precipitate
yellow brown
precipitate

violet with a jelly-like

precipitate
violet with immiscible
clear liquid
violet with immiscible
clear liquid

dark orange
precipitate
yellow brown
precipitate
dark orange

violet with jelly-like

precipitate
violet with immiscible
clear liquid
violet with jelly-like

(Naphthalene)

precipitate

precipitate

precipitate

When a sample produces yellow oil/precipitate during nitration test, it is aromatic but if it
doesnt have any changes, it is aliphatic. In the results showed above, Naphthalene and Toluene
are considered aromatic because it produces yellow precipitate. Hexane and Hexene are
considered as aliphatic because it doesnt show any change in color.
After determining whether the sample is aromatic or aliphatic, bromine test must be used.
If it doesnt have the presence of yellow precipitate then it is aliphatic. If it is aliphatic, it can be
assumed as saturated or unsaturated aliphatic. Saturated is determined when it the sample is not
decolorized but when it is unsaturated, it is immediately decolorized. In the results shown, only
Hexene showed immediate discoloration so it is now an unsaturated aliphatic and the remaining
three samples are now saturated aliphatic.
For the last part of the experiment, basic oxidation test was used. If the sample is
aromatic and it has the presence of brown/green/blue precipitate, it is an alkylated aromatic. If
the sample is aromatic but it appeared to be violet, then it is a non-alkylated aromatic. In the
results above, only Hexene produces brown precipitate so it is considered as alkylated aromatic.
The remaining three samples produces violet precipitate so all of them are non alkylated
aromatic.

Conclusion
In this experiment, the researchers were able to identify the structural features of a given
hydrocarbon using different chemical and instrumental methods. The researchers were able to
differentiate the hydrocarbons with its various types by devising a scheme and they also
characterized an unknown hydrocarbon through parallel chemical tests. Through series of tests,
an unknown hydrocarbon can now be identified.

Reference/s
Harvey, R.G. (1991). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Australia: Press Syndicate of the
University of Cambridge.
Klein, D., Organic chemistry, 2nd Ed., 2012, John Wiley & Sons, USA, 65.
Kvasnicova, V. (n.d.). Retrieved March 25, 2015, from
http://www2.lf3.cuni.cz/opencms/export/sites/www.lf3.cuni.cz/en/applicant/premedical/
study-materials/chemistry/hydrocarbons.pdf