Alkanes
- Alkanes are a group of saturated hydrocarbons
- The term saturated means that they only have single carbon-carbon bonds, there are no double bonds
- The general formula of the alkanes is CnH2n+2
- They are colourless compounds which have a gradual change in their physical properties as the number of carbon atoms in the chain increases
- Alkanes are generally unreactive compounds but they do undergo combustion reactions, can be cracked into smaller molecules and can react with halogens in the presence of light
- Methane is an alkane and is the major component of natural gas
Table of the First Four Members of the Alkane Homologous Series
| Displayed formula | Name | Molecular formula |
 |
methane | CH4 |
 |
ethane | C2H6 |
 |
propane | C3H8 |
 |
butane | C4H10 |
Examiner Tip
For your exam, you need to be able to name, draw and give the appropriate formula for the first four alkanes.
