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Reviewed CSCA Chemistry question · Standard

Which of the following compounds will 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 contain a carbon-carbon double bond, which undergoes 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; bromine adds across it, forming 1,2-dibromoethane and decolorizing the orange bromine water. Ethane is saturated, ethanol and chloroethane lack reactive double bonds.

Example

Bubble ethene gas into bromine water: the orange color fades to colorless. Ethane does not decolorize bromine water.

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