Grade 11 · Chemistry
Introduction and alkanes
Why it matters
Why carbon is special; naming straight-chain, branched and cyclic alkanes.
Core20m readingPrerequisite: None
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.
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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.