Problem 27

Question

Describe the following reaction in terms of which bonds must be broken and which bonds must be formed: \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}=\mathrm{CH}_{2}+3 \mathrm{O}_{2} \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{CO}_{2}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\)

Step-by-Step Solution

Verified
Answer
In the given reaction, the bonds to be broken are 1 Carbon-Carbon double bond (\(\mathrm{C=C}\)), 2 Carbon-Hydrogen single bonds (\(\mathrm{C-H}\)), and 3 Oxygen-Oxygen double bonds (\(\mathrm{O=O}\)). The bonds to be formed include 4 Carbon-Oxygen double bonds (\(\mathrm{C=O}\)) and 4 Oxygen-Hydrogen single bonds (\(\mathrm{O-H}\)). This reaction converts the unsaturated hydrocarbon and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water.
1Step 1: Identify the reactants and products
In the given reaction: \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}=\mathrm{CH}_{2}+3 \mathrm{O}_{2} \longrightarrow 2 \mathrm{CO}_{2}+2 \mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) Reactants: \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{C}=\mathrm{CH}_{2}\) (unsaturated hydrocarbon) and \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) (oxygen) Products: \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) (carbon dioxide) and \(\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{O}\) (water)
2Step 2: Identify the bonds to be broken in the reactants
In the reactants, there are the following bonds: 1. Carbon-carbon double bond (\(\mathrm{C=C}\)) in the hydrocarbon molecule 2. Two carbon-hydrogen single bonds (\(\mathrm{C-H}\)) in the hydrocarbon molecule 3. Oxygen-oxygen double bond (\(\mathrm{O=O}\)) in oxygen molecules
3Step 3: Identify the bonds to be formed in the products
In the products, there are the following bonds: 1. Two carbon-oxygen double bonds (\(\mathrm{C=O}\)) in each carbon dioxide molecule 2. Two oxygen-hydrogen single bonds (\(\mathrm{O-H}\)) in each water molecule
4Step 4: Write down the bonds to be broken and formed
Bonds to be broken: - 1 Carbon-carbon double bond (\(\mathrm{C=C}\)) - 2 Carbon-hydrogen single bonds (\(\mathrm{C-H}\)) - 3 Oxygen-oxygen double bonds (\(\mathrm{O=O}\)) Bonds to be formed: - 4 Carbon-oxygen double bonds (\(\mathrm{C=O}\)) - 4 Oxygen-hydrogen single bonds (\(\mathrm{O-H}\)) By breaking the bonds in the reactants and forming bonds in the products, the given chemical reaction takes place, converting the unsaturated hydrocarbon and oxygen into carbon dioxide and water.

Key Concepts

Bond FormationBond BreakingUnsaturated HydrocarbonsCarbon DioxideWater
Bond Formation
In chemistry, bond formation is a fundamental process that involves the joining of atoms to create molecules. When two atoms share electrons, they form a covalent bond, which is a key component in many reactions. Within the given reaction, two primary types of bonds are formed: carbon-oxygen double bonds and oxygen-hydrogen single bonds.
The carbon-oxygen double bonds (\(\mathrm{C=O}\)) created in carbon dioxide represent a strong and stable configuration that releases energy. This energy release is crucial in sustaining processes like combustion and cellular respiration.
Oxygen-hydrogen single bonds (\(\mathrm{O-H}\)) are formed in water molecules. These bonds are also vital as they help in creating a polar molecule with unique properties such as high boiling point and surface tension.
  • Carbon-Oxygen double bonds: Crucial for stability in carbon dioxide.
  • Oxygen-Hydrogen single bonds: Important in forming water.
Bond Breaking
Bond breaking is the process of cleaving chemical bonds within reactant molecules, which is necessary for chemical reactions to proceed. In this reaction, several bonds need to be broken, including the carbon-carbon double bond (\(\mathrm{C=C}\)), the carbon-hydrogen single bonds (\(\mathrm{C-H}\)), and the oxygen-oxygen double bonds (\(\mathrm{O=O}\)).
The breaking of these bonds requires energy input to overcome the bond strength. For instance, the double bond between two carbon atoms in an unsaturated hydrocarbon (\(\mathrm{C=C}\)) is relatively strong, thus needing significant energy to break.
Similarly, breaking the oxygen-oxygen double bond (\(\mathrm{O=O}\)) in molecular oxygen is essential to allow oxygen atoms to participate in forming new covalent bonds during the reaction.
  • Carbon-Carbon double bond: Requires significant energy to break.
  • Oxygen-Oxygen double bond: Facilitates new bond formations with carbon and hydrogen.
Unsaturated Hydrocarbons
Unsaturated hydrocarbons are molecules that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond or triple bond, making them more reactive than saturated hydrocarbons. Ethene (\(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{CH}_{2}\)), the hydrocarbon in the given reaction, is a prime example of an unsaturated hydrocarbon.
The presence of the double bond in ethene suggests regions of high electron density, making it more prone to participate in chemical reactions, such as combustion or addition reactions.
Unsaturated hydrocarbons hold significant industrial value, serving as basic building blocks for polymers and other important chemicals.
  • Ethene (\(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{C}=\mathrm{CH}_{2}\)): A reactive unsaturated hydrocarbon involved in the reaction.
  • High reactivity due to carbon-carbon double bonds.
Carbon Dioxide
Carbon dioxide, \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\), is a common product in combustion reactions, such as the one described. It consists of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms with double bonds (\(\mathrm{C=O}\)).
The formation of \(\mathrm{CO}_{2}\) from ethene and oxygen exemplifies complete combustion, a process in which fuel is fully converted to carbon dioxide and water, releasing heat and energy.
Aside from its role in combustion, carbon dioxide is also pivotal in biological systems and serves as a greenhouse gas impacting climate change.
  • Product of complete combustion.
  • Formed by double bonds between carbon and oxygen.
Water
Water, \(\mathrm{H}_{2}\mathrm{O}\), is produced in this reaction through the formation of oxygen-hydrogen single bonds. Each water molecule consists of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Water plays an essential role in life, acting as a solvent, a participant in chemical reactions, and a climatic regulator.
In combustion reactions, such as the one that converts ethene to carbon dioxide and water, water is often formed as a byproduct, accompanying the release of significant amounts of energy.
  • Product of combustion reactions.
  • Essential for life and environmental processes.