Key Stage 4
Meaning
Alkanes are the simplest form of hydrocarbon compounds with no double bonds and the general formula; CnH2n+2
About Alkanes
- Alkanes are a homologous series of hydrocarbon compounds.
- The functional group of the Alkanes is the single bonds between the Carbon atoms and between the Carbon and Hydrogen atoms.
- Alkanes are long chains of Carbon atoms covalently bonded together with single bonds and Hydrogen atoms taking the remaining bonds.
Examples
| Methane | Ethane | Propane | Butane | |
| Chemical Formula (CnH2n+2) | CH4 | C2H6 | C3H8 | C4H10 |
| Structural Formula | CH4 | CH3CH3 | CH3CH2CH3 | CH3CH2CH2CH3 |
| Structural Diagram |  |
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| Ball and Stick Model |  |
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