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Teacher Background Information: Methane and propane are linear singly-bonded hydrocarbons called alkanes. The alkanes are non-polar, insoluble in water, less dense than water and flammable in air. They have similar chemical properties but gradually changing physical properties as the length of the carbon chain increases. They can be solids, liquids or gases at room temperature depending on their chain length. The first ten alkanes are shown below. They are structurally similar – with each successive alkane differing from the previous by a repeating unit of –CH2- (a methylene unit). Alkanes Name # Carbons Structural Formula Methane 1 CH4 Ethane 2 CH3CH3 Propane 3 CH3CH2CH3 Butane 4 CH3CH2CH2CH3 Pentane 5 CH3CH2CH2CH2CH3 Hexane 6 CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 Heptane 7 CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 Octane 8 CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 Nonane 9 CH3 CH2 CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 Decane 10 CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 The alkanes with 1-4 carbon atoms are gases at room temperature and are primarily used as heating fuels. The alkanes with 5-8 carbon atoms are liquids at room temperature and are very volatile and are used to make gasoline. The alkanes with 9-17 carbon atoms are also liquids at room temperature, but have higher boiling points and are found in kerosene, diesel, and jet fuels. The alkanes with 17 or more carbon atoms are solids at room temperature. In combustion reactions alkanes react with oxygen to produce CO2 and H2O and energy in the form of heat. Alkane + O2 ( CO2 + H2O + heat If combustion is incomplete, due to a lack of oxygen gas, then carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide (a common pollutant) and carbon may form in addition to water and heat. The production of carbon monoxide can have serious environmental implications. The two alkanes that will be the focus of this activity are methane and propane. Their structures are s