Alkanes

• Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons
• Alkanes are the least reactive organic compound
• Alkane general formula of C(n)H(2n+2)
• The C-C-C bond angle is 109.5 degrees, meaning that the chain is not actually straight.
• Ring alkanes have the general formula of C(n)H(2n)
• Alkane suffix of -ane
• Alkane polarity

  • Non-polar as the electronegativity of C and H are almost the same
  • So the only forces between them are Van Der Waals
  • The larger the molecule, the stronger the Van Der Waals forces
• Alkane boiling points

  • The longer the chain, the more intermolecular forces, the higher the boiling point
  • The solids have a waxy feel
• Alkanes with branched chains have lower melting points than straight chain alkanes with the same amount of hydrocarbons as they can't pack together as tightly.
• Alkanes are insoluble in water due to hydrogen bonding in water being stronger, they can dissolve relatively well in non-polar liquids
• Alkanes are relatively unreactive as they have strong C-C and C-H bonds, however they can burn.