Cycloalkanes physical constants

Because of the chemical inertness of the saturated aliphatic hydrocarbons and of the closely related cycloalkanes, no satisfactory crystalline derivatives can be prepared. A pure sample may be characterised by consideration of such physical properties such as the boiling point, the refractive index (and/or the density), and these physical constants are listed in Table 10.1. If required, confirmation of structure should be sought from a more detailed study of appropriate spectra, particularly 13C-n.m.r., and mass spectra. 

As a result of their inertness no general suitable derivative exists for alkanes and cycloalkanes Characterization IS based only on the physical constants given in the Table melting and boiling points, index of refraction and density Any laboratory text-book will give adequate directions for the determination of these constants... 

In each homologous alkane or cycloalkane family, the physical constants such as boiling point and refractive index are very useful. Specific gravity measurements even in the capillary mode still need relatively large quantities of compound. The most employed method for tentative identification and relative quantification of hydrocarbons is gas chromatography (GC). This method will be discussed in detail for separation of mixtures. 

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