Lower alkanes do not undergo sulphonation easily unless tertiary hydrogen is present. This is because the abstraction of hydrogen to form free radical in lower alkanes is much difficult as compared to higher alkanes because free radical of lower alkanes are less stable due to less inductive effect.

Why do alkanes not undergo nitration?

Their less reactivity or inertness can be explained as: All the C-C & C-H bonds being stronger sigma bonds in alkanes and not influenced by the acids, alkalis, oxidants under the ordinary conditions. ... Thus, because of the less reactive nature alkanes don't undergo nitration easily.

Why do alkanes not react?

Alkanes do not react with most reagents for two reasons. First, carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen single bonds are very strong due to good orbital overlap. Second, the carbon-hydrogen bonds make alkane molecules neither acidic nor basic because the electronegativity of both elements is very similar.