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Reviewed CSCA Chemistry question · Easy

Which of the following compounds would react with bromine water at room temperature?

  1. Ethane
  2. Ethene
  3. Ethanol
  4. Chloroethane
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer

B. Ethene

Principle or equation

Alkenes (containing a C=C double bond) undergo addition reactions with bromine water, decolorizing it. Alkanes, alcohols, and haloalkanes do not react under these conditions.

Why this answer is correct

Ethene (C2H4) has a double bond and reacts with bromine water, adding Br2 across the double bond and decolorizing the orange/brown solution. Ethane (alkane), ethanol (alcohol), and chloroethane (haloalkane) are saturated or lack the reactive double bond.

Example

Propene also decolorizes bromine water, while propane does not.

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