Paraffin oil contains a mixture of high molecular mass alkanes - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2007 - Paper 1

The likely function of the alumina is to act as a catalyst that increases the reaction rate during the cracking process.

The balanced equation for the decomposition of C17H36 to form ethene (C2H4) and another product (C15H32) is:

$C_{17}H_{36} \rightarrow C_{2}H_{4} + C_{15}H_{32}$

The balanced equation for the addition of bromine to ethene (C2H4) is:

$C_{2}H_{4} + Br_{2} \rightarrow C_{2}H_{4}Br_{2}$

The balanced equation for the complete combustion of ethene is:

$C_{2}H_{4} + 3 O_{2} \rightarrow 2 CO_{2} + 2 H_{2}O$

The balanced equation for the reaction of ethene with steam (hydration) in the presence of a catalyst (like phosphoric acid) is:

$C_{2}H_{4} + H_{2}O \rightarrow C_{2}H_{5}OH$

Compounds A and B could be drawn as follows:

Compound A:

  Cl
   | 
C - C
   | 
  H

Systematic name: 1,2-Dichloroalkane

Compound B:

  Cl
   | 
C - C
   | 
  H

Systematic name: 1-Chloroalkane or similar structure depending on branching.

The structural formula for compound C, which is an acidic compound, can be represented as:

   O
   ||
C - C
   | 
   OH

Systematic name: Carboxylic acid (specific name would depend on carbon chain).