Prolonged contact between HCl and alkanes

AI Thread Summary
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) does not react with simple alkanes (C4-C12) over short timescales, as they separate with HCl settling at the bottom and hydrocarbons floating on top without any noticeable heating or property changes. The discussion raises the possibility of reactions occurring over longer periods, such as hours to weeks, in a closed polyethylene container with pressure release but no inert gas purging. No specific reactions are anticipated, but the inquiry seeks to ensure that no significant reactions are overlooked. Additionally, the potential suppression of HCl outgassing by the layer of hydrocarbons is questioned, comparing it to how water evaporation is hindered beneath oil. It is suggested that nucleophilic substitutions may occur for branched alkanes when n > 3, but the overall impact on outgassing rates remains uncertain.
KarenRei
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I've verified that there is no obvious reaction between hydrochloric acid and simple alkanes (roughly C4-C12) over short timescales; they simply settle out with the heavier HCl on the bottom and the lighter hydrocarbons on the top, with no apparent heating or changes in general properties (as anticipated). However, are there any reactions on the scale of hours to weeks or more, if the solution were stored (closed polyethylene container, pressure release, not purged with an inert gas)? Nothing comes to mind, but I'm just wanting to make sure I'm not missing anything.

Also, would the expected rate of outgassing from the HCl be suppressed by having a layer of hydrocarbons on top of it (as water evaporation is hindered beneath a layer of oil), or would it remain pretty much unchanged?
 
Nucleophilic substitutions of branched members of families for n > 3 can be expected.
 

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