Chapter 23.2, Problem 10R

To determine

To Explain: The reason for preparation of substituted hydrocarbons.

To State: Two examples of possible substitutions.

Explanation of Solution

Introduction: Substituted hydrocarbons are hydrocarbons in which one or more hydrogen atoms have been replaced with functional groups or other elements.

Chemists prepare substituted hydrocarbons to obtain compounds of desired properties.

For example, one hydrogen atom of ethene is replaced by −OH group to form ethanol, which is an alcohol soluble in water unlike ethene which is insoluble in water. Ethanol is an important industrial chemical, used as solvent.

Replacing a hydrogen atom in methane by a −COOH group, acetic acid is obtained. Acetic acid is soluble in water unlike methane. It is used as solvent for organic substances.

Conclusion: Chemists prepare substituted hydrocarbons to obtain compounds of desired properties. For example, ethanol and acetic acid.