Exploring the Properties and Versatile Uses of Alkanes: The Saturated Hydrocarbons

Alkane

single bond (not functional group)

Alkanes are a group of hydrocarbons consisting of atoms of hydrogen and carbon only, with only single covalent bonds between neighboring atoms. They are also known as saturated hydrocarbons as they are saturated with hydrogen atoms. The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2, where ‘n’ is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Properties:
– Alkanes are non-polar because of the equal sharing of electrons between carbon and hydrogen atoms, and hence are insoluble in water but soluble in non-polar solvents.
– They have low melting and boiling points and are generally gases, liquids, or waxes at room temperature and pressure.
– They are generally unreactive compounds, but they can be oxidized in the presence of a strong oxidizing agent such as potassium permanganate.

Uses:
– Alkanes are used as fuels because they burn efficiently and produce relatively low amounts of harmful byproducts.
– They are used as lubricants and waxes.
– They are used as starting materials for the production of various chemicals, such as plastics, solvents, and detergents.

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