What types of substitution reactions can alkanes undergo?

Alkanes can undergo substitution reactions such as halogenation, nitration, and sulfonation.

Alkanes, which are saturated hydrocarbons, are generally quite unreactive due to the strong carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds. However, they can undergo certain types of substitution reactions, where one atom or group of atoms is replaced by another.

The most common type of substitution reaction that alkanes undergo is halogenation. This is a reaction where a hydrogen atom in the alkane is replaced by a halogen atom (fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine). This reaction usually requires the presence of ultraviolet light or heat to initiate the process. For example, methane can react with chlorine in the presence of ultraviolet light to form chloromethane and hydrogen chloride.

Another type of substitution reaction that alkanes can undergo is nitration. In this reaction, a hydrogen atom in the alkane is replaced by a nitro group (-NO2). This reaction typically requires a strong nitric acid and a catalyst. Nitration of alkanes is less common than halogenation, but it is an important reaction in the production of explosives.

Sulfonation is another type of substitution reaction that alkanes can undergo. In this reaction, a hydrogen atom in the alkane is replaced by a sulfonic acid group (-SO3H). This reaction typically requires a strong sulfuric acid. Sulfonation of alkanes is used in the production of detergents and other surfactants.

In summary, while alkanes are generally unreactive, they can undergo substitution reactions such as halogenation, nitration, and sulfonation under certain conditions. These reactions are important in various industrial processes.