Alkanes are the simplest organic compounds. They are composed of only carbon and hydrogen atoms and hence are termed hydrocarbons as well. They are saturated hydrocarbons as the carbon and hydrogen atoms in the structure are bonded with each other through a single bond. The general formula of alkanes is CnH2n+2.
There are three different groups of alkanes i.e., straight-chain alkanes, branched alkanes, and cycloalkanes. They are the least reactive and the most stable species of hydrocarbons. They are quite significant commercially as they make up the gasoline and lubricating oils. When the alkanes are oxidized, a large amount of heat is generally produced and it is in the form of a fire.
Examples of Alkanes:
Methane is known to be the simplest of alkanes. Its molecular formula is CH4. Those alkanes which are composed of 2, 3 and 4 carbon atoms are named ethane, propane, butane respectively.
With very reactive agents, such as the halogen elements, alkanes
The chains in normal alkanes are not really straight but zigzag because
Show (by drawing structures) how the members of a series
Give the root names for the alkanes with three, five,
The major use of alkanes has been in reactions, as a
Explain why alkanes are relatively unreactive.
Without drawing a structural formula, tell how many hydrogen atoms would
Draw structural formulas for all isomeric alkanes having the general formula C7H16
The general orientation of the four pairs of electrons around the carbon
Draw structural formulas for three isomeric alkanes having the formula C6H14.
