IGCSEChemistryEdexcelChemistry (Modular)Unit 1Revision Notes4. Organic Chemistry: Part 1AlkanesWhat are Alkanes?

What are Alkanes? (Edexcel IGCSE Chemistry (Modular))

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Stewart Hird

Alkanes

What are 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

  • 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 alkanes

Displayed formula

Name

Molecular formula

methane

methane

CH4 

ethane

ethane

C2H6 

propane

propane

C3H8 

butane

butane

C4H10 

pentane

pentane

C5H12 

The first five members of the alkane homologous series

Examiner Tip

For your exam, you need to be able to name, draw and give the appropriate formula for the first five alkanes.

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