Uses of Alkanes Alkenes and Alkynes

Table of Contents

The following are the uses of Alkanes-

Methane in form of natural gas is used for running scooters, cars, buses etc. L.P.G (a mixture of butane and isobutane) is used as a fuel in homes as well as in industry.
Methane is used to make carbon black which is used in the manufacture of printing inks, paints and automobile tyres.
Catalytic oxidation of alkanes gives alcohols, aldehydes and carboxylic acids.
Higher alkanes in form of gasoline, kerosene oil, diesel, lubricating oils and paraffin wax are widely used.
Methane is used for the manufacture of halogen-containing compounds such as CH₂Cl₂, CHCl₃, CCl₄ etc. are used as solvents both in laboratory and industry.

The following are the uses of Alkenes-

Lower members of the family are used as fuels and illuminants.
Alkenes and substituted alkenes upon polymerization form a number of useful polymers such as Polythene, PVC, Teflon, Orlon etc.
Ethene is employed for the preparation of ethyl alcohol and ethylene glycol (anti-freeze).
Ethylene is used for artificial ripening of green fruits.
Ethylene is also used in oxygen-ethylene flame for cutting and welding of metals.

The following are the uses of Alkynes-

Acetylene and its derivatives are widely used in synthetic organic chemistry for the synthesis of cis- and trans- alkenes, methyl ketones etc.
An oxyacetylene flame is used for cutting and welding of metals.
Acetylene is used as illuminant in hawker’s lamp and in lighthouses.
Acetylene is used for ripening of fruits and vegetables.
Acetylene is used for the manufacture of ethyl alcohol, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, vinyl plastics, synthetic rubbers such as Buna N and Synthetic fibres such as Orlon.

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