Organic Chemistry Alkanes

							Organic Chemistry: Alkanes.


        Chemistry Grade 12
         By Grace Tembo
                10th April 2008
Hydrocarbons
Definition:
 These are organic compounds which
 contain carbon and hydrogen atoms
 only.
Branches of Hydrocarbons

The following are some of the branches
 of hydrocarbons:
 Alkanes
 Alkenes
 Alkynes.
Alkanes
Definition:
  These are hydrocarbons with a single
  covalent bond between two carbon
  atoms.
  They are also referred to as paraffins
Features of Alkanes

 All Alkanes end with ---ane
 Are represented by a general formula;
 CnH2n+2
 In the formula, n stands for number of
 carbon atoms in a compound.
Examples of Alkanes
Exercise

 Write the molecular formula of the
 following alkanes:
   Pentane
   Hexane
   Heptane
Answers

 C5H12
 C6H14
 C7H16