Study GuideOrganic Chemistry I–Structure and Properties ofAlkanes1.Alkanes: Natural SourcesAlkanes occur naturallyand are mainly obtained fromnatural gasandpetroleum.1.1Natural GasNatural gas is made upmostly of methane (CH₄).It also containssmall amounts of other low-molecular-weight alkanes, such as ethane andpropane.Because these alkanes are small and light, they exist mainly asgasesunder normal conditions.1.2Petroleum (Crude Oil)Petroleumis themain source of most alkanes.It is a complex mixture containing many different hydrocarbons.When petroleum is processed bydistillation:•Lighter fractionsare separated first and formliquid alkanes•Theheavier residueleft behind containssolid alkanesThis separation allows alkanes of different sizes and properties to be collected and used.Key Takeaways•Alkanes come primarily fromnatural gas and petroleum•Natural gas contains mostlymethane•Petroleum suppliesliquid and solid alkanes•Distillation separates alkanes based onmolecular weightPreview Mode
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