This definitions covers Key Definitions within Alkanes for GCSE Chemistry. Topic 38: Alkanes It is section 6 of 12 in this topic. Make sure you can use the exact wording confidently, because definition marks are often lost through vague language.
📖 Key Definitions
Alkane: A saturated hydrocarbon with the general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂. All carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds. Examples: methane (CH₄), ethane (C₂H₆), propane (C₃H₈), butane (C₄H₁₀).
Saturated: A molecule is saturated if it contains only single C-C bonds and cannot undergo addition reactions. All its carbon atoms have the maximum number of hydrogen atoms bonded to them.
Homologous series: A family of organic compounds that share the same general formula, have similar chemical properties, and show a gradual change in physical properties as the chain length increases.
General formula: An algebraic expression that represents the molecular formula of any member of a homologous series. For alkanes: CₙH₂ₙ₊₂.
Practice questions for Alkanes
What is the general formula for the alkane homologous series?
Explain why the boiling point of alkanes increases as the chain length increases.