Chemistry 11 · Chemistry · Lesson 9.1
Organic compounds: alkanes
- Level
- Grade 11
- Reading time
- 13 min reading
- Review
- Last reviewed 2026-09-03
- Standard
- Accuracy standard
- Errata
Abstract
Why carbon is special; naming straight-chain, branched and cyclic alkanes.
What are alkanes in organic chemistry?
Short answer
Alkanes are the simplest hydrocarbons, containing only single carbon–carbon bonds and the maximum number of hydrogens, so they are called saturated. Their general formula is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, as in methane (CH₄) and ethane (C₂H₆). Named with the suffix -ane, they are relatively unreactive and form the backbone of organic nomenclature.
Concept preview
What you will be able to do
- 01Explain what makes carbon able to form so many compounds
- 02Name and write formulas for the first alkanes
- 03Recognise and account for structural isomers
Organic chemistry is the chemistry of carbon compounds — originally thought to come only from living things, hence 'organic'. That idea collapsed once chemists made organic compounds in the lab, but the name stuck. Today organic chemistry covers the millions of carbon-based substances that make up fuels, plastics, medicines, foods and the molecules of life. A handful of carbon's special properties explains why one element supports such an enormous branch of chemistry.
School Plan
Organic compounds: alkanes
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Related topics
Frequently asked questions
- What makes a hydrocarbon "saturated"?
- It contains only single bonds, so it holds the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms.
- What is the general formula for an alkane?
- CₙH₂ₙ₊₂, where n is the number of carbon atoms.