Which is not a characteristic of alkanes?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

First, let's restate the question and the options to ensure clarity before evaluating each choice.
Question: Which is not a characteristic of alkanes?
Options: Saturated, High reactivity, Non-polar, Single bonds only
Now, assess each option one by one with thoughtful reasoning.
Option 1: Saturated. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons because they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms (C–C) and are saturated with hydrogen. This is a defining characteristic, so this statement is true about alkanes and not the answer to 'not a characteristic'.
Option 2: High reactivity. This is the incorrect characterization. Alkanes are relatively unreactive compared with alkenes, alkynes, or functionalized hydrocarbons. Their C–C and C–H single bonds are strong and nonpolar, and they lack functional groups, which makes them resistant to many types of chemical reactions except combustion or certain radical processes under specific conditions. Therefore, saying they are highly reactive is not accurate for alkanes.
Option 3: Non-polar. The hydrocarbon molecules in alkanes are largely nonpolar because carbon–hydrogen and carbon–carbon bonds have small differences in electronegativity, leading to negligible dipole moments. Hence, this is indeed a correct characteristic of alkanes and not the incorrect option.
Option 4: Single bonds only. Across the carbon skeleton of alkanes, all bonds are single bonds (sigma bonds). There are no double or triple bonds in saturated alkanes, so this statement correctly describes alkanes and is not the incorrect option.
In summary, options 1, 3, and 4 describe true characteristics of alkanes, while option 2—High reactivity—does not describe alkanes and is the statement that does not fit the characteristic profile of alkanes.

2254 CHEM 0101 SEC2010 HW 7

Which is not a characteristic of alkanes?

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