Resources | Subject Notes | Chemistry
Alkanes are a group of organic compounds that are fundamental to organic chemistry. They are characterized by their simple structure and relatively low reactivity. Understanding alkanes is a crucial first step in exploring the wider world of organic molecules.
The carbon-carbon bonds in alkanes are formed through single covalent bonds. This means that each carbon atom shares one pair of electrons with its neighboring carbon atom.
| Bond Type | Sharing of Electrons | Strength |
|---|---|---|
| C-C Bond in Alkanes | Single covalent bond (sharing of 2 electrons) | Relatively strong |
Alkanes are classified as saturated hydrocarbons. This term describes hydrocarbons that contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. The term "saturated" refers to the fact that each carbon atom is bonded to the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms. Since each carbon is already bonded to the maximum number of other atoms (only single bonds to other carbons and hydrogens), it cannot accommodate any more.
The general formula for an alkane is $C_n H_{2n+2}$, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms.
| Property | Description |
|---|---|
| Composition | Only single bonds between carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms. |
| Saturation | Each carbon atom is saturated with the maximum number of hydrogen atoms. |
The single bonds in alkanes are relatively strong and require a significant amount of energy to break. This contributes to their low reactivity under normal conditions.