# Alkanes and alkenes are both hydrocarbons. Describe how you could distinguish between hexane and hex-1-ene using a chemical test, and explain what the results of this test show about the bonding in each compound.

> Eduqas GCSE Chemistry — C7 Organic chemistry · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Add bromine water to each compound
2. Hex-1-ene decolourises / bleaches the bromine water (orange/brown to colourless)
3. Hexane does not decolourise the bromine water / bromine water stays orange/brown with hexane
4. Hex-1-ene contains a carbon–carbon double bond (C=C) which reacts with / is broken by bromine, whereas hexane only has single bonds and does not react

## Key terms

- [alkane](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alkane)
- [alkene](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alkene)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Eduqas GCSE Chemistry](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/alkanes-and-alkenes-are-both-hydrocarbons-d7c8612c) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.