In an industrial petrochemical laboratory, catalytic cracking is used to break down long-chain alkanes. A vaporised sample of dodecane (C12H26\text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{26}C12H26) is passed over a hot alumina catalyst, producing decane (C10H22\text{C}_{10}\text{H}_{22}C10H22, Compound J) and ethene (C2H4\text{C}_2\text{H}_4C2H4, Compound K) as shown in the equation below:
C12H26→C10H22+C2H4 \text{C}_{12}\text{H}_{26} \rightarrow \text{C}_{10}\text{H}_{22} + \text{C}_2\text{H}_4 C12H26→C10H22+C2H4Explain how a chemical test can be used to distinguish between Compound J and Compound K. Your answer should specify the reagent used and the distinct observations for each compound.
Practise Edexcel GCSE Chemistry Hydrocarbons with exam-style questions for Foundation and Higher tier. 34 questions, matched to the Edexcel GCSE Chemistry (1CH0) specification and written in Paper 1 and Paper 2 style. Every question includes a full worked solution and mark scheme, so you can see where marks are awarded rather than just whether you got the answer right.
