Question

Draw structural formula for each reaction and state the type of reaction that is occuring:

a. 4-nonene and fluorine gas
b. hexane and oxygen gas
c. pentanol and butanoic acid
d. propene and hydrogen gas

Answer 1

This is a radical addition. Halogens will form radicals in the presence of light or a radical initiator, like a peroxide. Usually, they attack alkanes and alkenes to give the most stable radical intermediates, but fluorine is nasty stuff and very reactive; there isn't much selectivity with radical fluorination.

Part B
This is an oxidation reaction - more commonly known as a combustion reaction. In the presence of oxygen, hexane will burn to give water and carbon dioxide.

Part C
This is a Fisher esterification reaction. In the presence of a catalytic amount of acid or base, acids and alcohols react to form esters.

Part D
As far as I know, propane and hydrogen gas will coexist perfectly happily with one another; they won't react. Alkanes are fully reduced, so hydrogen doesn't affect them.