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.
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.
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.