Reactions of Alkanes

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Alkanes are generally pretty unreactive.
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7 CO₂ + 14 H₂O
Combustion occurs for all organic compounds except those that are perchlorinated or perfluorinated. The reaction can be used to determine simple formula or heat of combustion (from which can be determined relative stability).
McMurry 4.4, Schmid 2.10, 7.5

Mechanism! Free radical reaction produces the most substituted halide in the highest concentration. Reaction accelerated by heat and/or light.
McMurry 7.5, Fessenden 6.1-6.6, Schmid 18.1 - 18.4,

Activated alkanes

An adjacent carbon-carbon double bond or aromatic ring stabilizes the intermediate radicals (allyl and benzyl) and makes reaction at these sites easier than tertiary.

McMurry 10.4, Schmid 19.3, 20.9A, Fessenden 6.5

Other reagents: CrO₃+ HOAc, CrO₃+ H₂SO₄ + H₂O, and other weakened chromium reagents.
Fessenden 13.7, Schmid 20.9B

Reactions at alkane sites adjacent to carbonyl groups depend on their acidity and are quite different from those of alkanes.
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