CLASS 9 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

Alkanes and Hydrocarbons – Basic Principles

How it works

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons that contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. For open-chain (acyclic) alkanes, the general molecular formula is CnH2n+2. Alkanes form a homologous series. Hydrocarbons are compounds that consist exclusively of carbon and hydrogen atoms. A distinction is made between saturated hydrocarbons with only single bonds and unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one double or triple bond. Physical properties such as boiling point and solubility depend, among other things, on chain length and structure. Alkanes are nonpolar and, in complete combustion, react with oxygen to form CO2 and H2O.

Note
Open-chain alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2; they contain only single bonds. Hydrocarbons are classified according to bond type and structure.

An example

Which of the following substances is an alkane?

Butane is an alkane because it has only single bonds between the carbon atoms and, as an open-chain alkane, corresponds to the formula C4H10.

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: Chemistry. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.