ALKANES 💥
saturated hydrocarbons
molecules of these compounds contain only single bonds between the carbon atoms in the chain
molecular formula : CnH2n+2
Every organic compound has three different formulae
2. molecular formula
3. structural formula
1. empirical formula
the simplest possible whole-number ratio of the atoms in a compound
represents the actual number of atoms present in the molecules
shows all the atoms in the molecule and how they are bonded together
burning alkanes
features
burn very exothermically
make good fuels
controlling their availability
when they burn in a good supply of air, the products are carbon dioxide and water vapour
methane + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water CH4(g) + 2O2(g) -> CO2(g) + 2H2O(g)
ethane + oxygen -> carbon dioxide + water 2C2H6(g) + 7O2(g) -> 4CO2(g) + 6H2O(g)
A Homologous Series
have the same general formula
have similar chemical properties
show a gradual increase in physical properties such as melting point and boiling point
Alkane series
butane (C4H10)
pentane (C5H12)
propane (C3H8)
ethane (C2H6)
hexane (C6H14)
methane (CH4)