alkanes

• What type of hydrocarbons are alkanes?

  Saturated hydrocarbons
• What is the general formula for alkanes?

  CnH2n+2
• What do the carbon atoms in alkanes form?

  Four single bonds
• Why are alkanes called saturated hydrocarbons?

  They contain no double or triple bonds
• What are examples of alkanes and their formulas?

  • Methane: CH4
  • Ethane: C2H6
  • Propane: C3H8
• What are cycloalkanes?

  Alkanes with a ring structure
• What is the general formula for cycloalkanes?

  CnH2n
• Are cycloalkanes saturated or unsaturated?

  Saturated
• What is the bond angle in alkanes?

  Approximately 109.5°
• What geometry do carbon atoms in alkanes exhibit?

  Tetrahedral geometry
• How does the length of the carbon chain affect boiling points of alkanes?

  Longer chains increase boiling points
• What type of forces influence the boiling point of alkanes?

  Induced dipole-dipole forces
• Why do longer carbon chains create stronger intermolecular forces?

  More electrons create stronger dipoles
• Why does butane have a higher boiling point than ethane?

  Butane has a longer carbon chain
• How does branching affect the boiling point of alkanes?

  Branching reduces boiling points
• Why do straight-chain alkanes have stronger intermolecular forces than branched alkanes?

  They pack closely, maximizing electron contact
• Why does butane have a higher boiling point than methylpropane?

  Butane has a straight chain structure