Alkanes: Properties, Classification, and Uses

Alkanes

– First four alkanes are methane (CH4), Ethane (C2H6), Propane (C3H8), and Butane (C4H10)- single Bonded

1. What are alkanes?

Alkanes are hydrocarbons that only contain single covalent bonds between carbon atoms. They are also known as saturated hydrocarbons because they contain the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible for a given number of carbon atoms.

2. What is the general formula for alkanes?

The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the alkane.

3. How are alkanes classified?

Alkanes can be classified based on their carbon chain length. The common classifications are:

– Methane (CH4)
– Ethane (C2H6)
– Propane (C3H8)
– Butane (C4H10)
– Pentane (C5H12)
– Hexane (C6H14)
– Heptane (C7H16)
– Octane (C8H18)
– Nonane (C9H20)
– Decane (C10H22)

4. What are some physical properties of alkanes?

Alkanes are nonpolar molecules, which means they have low melting and boiling points. As the number of carbon atoms in an alkane increases, so does its boiling point and its viscosity. Alkanes are also insoluble in water but are soluble in nonpolar solvents.

5. What are some uses of alkanes?

Alkanes are commonly used as fuels, such as propane for heating and cooking, and gasoline for vehicles. They are also used as starting materials in the production of chemicals and plastics.

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