Question

Andre is predicting the products of chemical reactions. In one reaction, a hydrocarbon is the only reactant. What is the best prediction and explanation of this reaction?

Two new compounds form as the hydrocarbon undergoes a synthesis reaction.
Carbon dioxide and water form because the hydrocarbon undergoes a combustion reaction.
A polymer forms because the hydrocarbon joins with itself in a polymerization reaction.
Oxides form because the hydrocarbon combines with oxygen in an oxidation reaction.

Answer 1

A polymer forms because the hydrocarbon joins with itself in a polymerization reaction.

Reason: combustion and oxidation require oxygen as a reactant (so they can't occur if the hydrocarbon is the only reactant). A true synthesis reaction normally involves two or more different reactants combining to make one product, not producing two new compounds. Polymerization, however, is the joining of many identical hydrocarbon monomers to give a larger molecule (a polymer), so it best fits a reaction where the hydrocarbon is effectively the only reactant.