Chemical structure of methane, the simplest alkane. In organic chemistry, an alkane, or paraffin (a historical trivial name that also has other meanings), is an acyclic saturated hydrocarbon. In other words, an alkane consists of hydrogen and carbon atoms arranged in a tree structure in which all the carbon–carbon bonds are single. [1]

The general molecular formula of alkane for straight and branched-chain alkanes is CnH2n+2 and that of cyclic alkanes is CnH2n. For example in the diagram, the four hydrocarbon molecules contain 8 carbon atoms each.

Jan 23, 2023 · The distinguishing feature of an alkane, making it distinct from other compounds that also exclusively contain carbon and hydrogen, is its lack of unsaturation. That is to say, it contains no double or triple bonds, which are highly reactive in organic chemistry.

Apr 18, 2022 · Structure of Alkane. In methane, carbon forms four sigma bonds with hydrogen atoms. Carbon is covalently bonded with four hydrogen atoms. It uses its sp 3 hybrid orbitals to form these bonds. While in the case of ethane there are six C-H covalent bonds and a …

To name an alkane, first identify the longest chain of carbon atoms in its structure. A two-carbon chain is called ethane; a three-carbon chain, propane; and a four-carbon chain, butane. Longer chains are named as follows: pentane (five-carbon chain), hexane (6), heptane (7), octane (8), nonane (9), and decane (10).

Alkane Structure. Alkanes are hydrocarbons (compounds consisting entirely of carbons and hydrogens) whose bonds are all sigma (σ) bonds. That is, the carbons of an alkane form single bonds with each other and with the hydrogen atoms.

In an alkane, each carbon atom is sp 3-hybridized with 4 sigma bonds (either C–C or C–H), and each hydrogen atom is joined to one of the carbon atoms (in a C–H bond).The longest link of carbon atoms in a molecule is known as its carbon skeleton or carbon backbone. The number of carbon atoms may be thought of as the size of the alkane.

For example, an alkane with eight carbon atoms has the molecular formula C 8 H (2 × 8) + 2 = C 8 H 18. Key Takeaway Simple alkanes exist as a homologous series, in which adjacent members differ by a CH 2 unit.

An alkane is defined as a compound consisting of carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded together by single carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen bonds. Alkanes are also known as saturated hydrocarbons due to their maximum single bond capacity, with the formula CnH2n+2 for …

Apr 4, 2018 · Introduction to alkane. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbon consist of carbon and hydrogen only without any functional group. The general formula of alkane is C n H 2n+2. Example: methane (CH 4), ethane (C 2 H 6), propane (C 3 H 8) etc. Classification of alkane. There are three types of alkanes: Linear alkanes; Branched alkanes; Cyclic alkanes; 1 ...