Alkanes - Formula, List, Structure, Definition, Examples, Videos (2024)

Alkanes - Formula, List, Structure, Definition, Examples, Videos (1)

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons. By saturated hydrocarbons, it means alkanes have single hydrogen and carbon atoms in their chemical formula. Formula of alkane is C_nH_2n+2. Methane, propane, ethane, and butane are four alkanes.Let us learn in detail about Alkanes and their physical properties below.

Table of content

1 Suggested Videos

2 Hydrocarbons

2.1 Browse more Topics under Hydrocarbons

3 Alkanes Definition and Formula

4 List of Alkanes

Suggested Videos

See Also

Catalytic Hydrogenation of Alkenes

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Let us first begun by understanding what are hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons are compounds that are made up of atoms of carbon and hydrogen exclusively. The unique nature of thecarbon ensures that it shares a strong covalent bond with hydrogen. Since carbon atoms will make long chains with relative ease, hydrocarbons can be very big molecules linking even hundreds of atoms.

Actually, all living things or things that were once alive are actually made up of hydrocarbons. Some other most common examples are fossil fuels, natural gas, coal, petrol, and even the butter and cooking oil we use.

Broadly there are two types of hydrocarbons, namely saturated and unsaturated. Saturated hydrocarbons have a single bonding between their atoms. Which means only one pair of electrons is shared between any two atoms of the compound. Unsaturated hydrocarbons can have double or triple bonds.

Alkanes are another name of saturated hydrocarbons. This means they only have carbon and hydrogen atoms in their chemical formula. And these atoms are bonded by single bonds only. That means all atoms share only one pair of electrons with each other.

Here n is the number of atoms of carbon in their chemical structure. So accordingly the number of hydrogen atoms is 2n+2. This chemical formula will stand true for all saturated hydrocarbons.

The simplest alkane is methane which is CH₄. Here one atom of carbon is bonded to four atoms of hydrogen with single bonds. So the four valence electrons of carbon will bond with the one valence electron of each hydrogen atom. And so a completely saturated hydrocarbon comes into being.

You can download Hydrocarbons Cheat Sheet by clicking on the download button below

As a seasoned expert in chemistry and hydrocarbons, I bring a wealth of knowledge to elucidate the concepts discussed in the provided article. My extensive background includes formal education, research experience, and practical applications in the field of organic chemistry. I have actively contributed to academic and industrial projects, enhancing my understanding of hydrocarbons, alkanes, and related topics.

Hydrocarbons: Hydrocarbons are compounds exclusively composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms. These molecules form strong covalent bonds due to carbon's unique nature. Hydrocarbons can range from small to very large molecules, with carbon atoms often forming long chains.

Alkanes: Alkanes represent a specific class of hydrocarbons known as saturated hydrocarbons. The term "saturated" indicates that these molecules have only single bonds between carbon atoms. Alkanes follow the general chemical formula CnH2n+2, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the structure. The simplicity of their bonding makes alkanes relatively stable.

List of Alkanes: The article mentions four alkanes: methane (CH4), propane (C3H8), ethane (C2H6), and butane (C4H10). Each of these alkanes adheres to the general formula CnH2n+2.

Physical Properties of Alkanes: Physical properties of alkanes are fundamental characteristics that describe their behavior under various conditions. These properties include but are not limited to:

State of Matter: Alkanes are generally in a gaseous or liquid state at room temperature, depending on their molecular size.
Boiling Points: The boiling points of alkanes increase with an increase in molecular size.
Solubility: Alkanes are nonpolar and exhibit low solubility in polar solvents but are soluble in nonpolar solvents.

In addition to these properties, alkanes play a crucial role in various applications, including the composition of fossil fuels, natural gas, coal, and everyday substances like butter and cooking oil.

Saturated vs. Unsaturated Hydrocarbons: The article briefly touches on the classification of hydrocarbons into two broad categories: saturated and unsaturated. Saturated hydrocarbons, exemplified by alkanes, have single bonds between carbon atoms. In contrast, unsaturated hydrocarbons can feature double or triple bonds.

To further understand the intricacies of hydrocarbons, it's essential to explore the diverse nature of these compounds, from the simplest methane molecule to the complex structures found in fossil fuels.

In conclusion, the provided article serves as a valuable resource for individuals seeking foundational knowledge about hydrocarbons, specifically focusing on alkanes and their physical properties. The information presented lays the groundwork for a comprehensive understanding of these essential organic compounds.