The Basics of Alkanes: Properties, Formula, and Applications

What are hydrocarbons in which carbon atoms are connected by only single bonds in straight chains or branches?

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Hydrocarbons in which carbon atoms are connected by only single bonds in straight chains or branches are called alkanes. Alkanes are also known as paraffins and are the simplest type of organic compounds. They are the primary constituents of crude oil and natural gas and are used as fuels, solvents, and starting materials for the synthesis of other organic compounds.

Alkanes have the general formula CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. They are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they contain the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible for each carbon atom in the molecule. Alkanes have a linear or branched structure and are nonpolar due to the symmetrical distribution of electrons in the molecule.

Some common examples of alkanes include methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), pentane (C5H12), and hexane (C6H14). The physical and chemical properties of alkanes vary with the number of carbon atoms in the molecule, such as boiling point, melting point, and reactivity.

More Answers:

Understanding Index of Hydrogen Deficiency and Double Bond Equivalents in Organic Chemistry Formulas
Unlocking the Properties of Organic Compounds: Understanding the Importance and Role of Functional Groups
Understanding Cycloalkanes: Properties, Uses, and Applications in Organic Chemistry.

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