Question

Two carbon compounds X and Y have the molecular formula C₃H₆ and C₄H₁₀ respectively. Which one of the two is most likely to show addition reaction? Justify your answer. Also give the chemical equation to explain the process of addition reaction in this case.

Answer 1

Compound X has the molecular formula = C₃H₆ (C_nH_2n, alkene)
Compound Y has the molecular formula = C₄H₁₀ ( C_nH_2n+2, alkane)
C₃H₆ is unsaturated hydrocarbon, i.e. alkene (propene) and C₄H₁₀ is a saturated hydrocarbon, i.e. alkane (butane).
Saturated compounds undergo substitution reaction.
Unsaturated compounds undergo addition reaction at the multiple bonds. For example, propene will add a chlorine molecule (Cl₂) to form 1,2-dichloropropane. The reaction will be:

CH₃−CH=CH₂ + Cl₂ → CH₃−CH(Cl)−CH₂Cl