Final answer:
The false statement about hydrocarbons is that alkanes are more reactive than alkenes, which is untrue as alkenes are generally more reactive due to their double bonds.
Step-by-step explanation:
The false statement about hydrocarbons in the given options is C) Alkanes are more reactive than alkenes. In chemistry, we learn that alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds and are generally less reactive than alkenes, which contain a double bond and are unsaturated hydrocarbons. Alkenes can participate in a variety of reactions, such as polymerization and addition reactions, due to the presence of the double bond, which is a reactive site.
To further address points A, B, D, and E:
- The smallest alkane to have structural (constitutional) isomers does indeed have 4 carbon atoms, which are n-butane and 2-methylpropane (isobutane).
- Cyclic alkanes are not structural isomers of alkenes, but rather of acyclic alkanes with the same molecular formula.
- Alkanes can be produced by hydrogenating alkenes, where hydrogen atoms are added to the double bond of alkenes, converting them into alkanes.
- Alkenes can be polymerized, which means they can form long chains of repeating units called polymers, such as polyethylene from ethene (ethylene).