Headings Hydrocarbons Search Questions 
What is an alkane?
Alkanes form an homologous
series, with the general
formula CnH2n+2.
Homologous means that they have
similar properties and structure,
differing only in the number of CH2 units
in the chain.
The "chain" is the line of
carbon atoms joined together.
Members of the same series show a gradual change in
physical
properties
for example the boiling point
increases as the chain gets longer.
| Methane, CH4, has n=1. | Pentane, C5H12, has n=5. |
| Ethane, C2H6, has n=2. | Hexane, C6H14, has n=6. |
| Propane, C3H8, has n=3. | Heptane, C7H16, has n=7. |
| Butane, C4H10, has n=4. | Octane, C8H18, has n=8. |
Below are links to the
structure of alkanes. Some of these exist as isomers.
The structural formula is sometimes
called the displayed
formula.
Alkanes are hydrocarbons which have
single bonds between all the atoms.
They have the maximum number of
hydrogen atoms
for the number of carbon atoms present,
and so alkanes are called saturated hydrocarbons.
Headings Hydrocarbons Search Questions
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