[sanado]

Hey guys, just thought i would confirm a fact. Polymerisation of hydrocarbons obviously occurs between alkenes. But my book makes no mention of it occuring to alkanes. I assume it also occurs for alkanes where a hydrogen is replaced to attach to a neighbouring molecule? But then wouldnt that becomes the exact same as the product of a polymer of an alkene. (eg. A polymer of C2H2 becomes CH2CH2CH2CH2 etc. while C2H6 would also become CH2CH2CH2CH2CH2)

[Borek]

I assume it also occurs for alkanes where a hydrogen is replaced to attach to a neighbouring molecule?

Never heard about it and I strongly doubt it happens. Alkanes are quite inert.

[CollisionTheory]

Polymerization occurs only  in Alkenes! People always make that mistake , it cannot occur in Alkanes because they are saturated Hydrocarbons [ meaning there are no double bonds to break open ]
                                                 H      H
take  ethene for example : -           |      |
                                            H - C = C  - H

here the double bond can be broken by the process of addition reaction to form an open ended ethene also known as an ethene monomer.
when more of these open ended ethene monomers combine together they form a polymer known as polyethen or polythene this is an addition polymer.

but on the other hand :         H    H
                                         |    |
                                    H - C - C - H
                                         |    |
                                         H   H

ethane has no double bonds to break therfore it cannot take part in reactions.

and thats why short chain alkanes are preferred over longer ones as they are good fuels and also they are used to enrich the petrol.