Question

What are Alkanes?

Answer 1

Hint: We have to remember that the hydrocarbons are the compounds having carbon and hydrogen atoms in them. They can be of three classes alkane, alkene and alkyne. The bonds in these hydrocarbons can be saturated or unsaturated. Now you can define alkane easily. Ethane is an example of alkane.

Complete answer:
We also need to know that alkanes are hydrocarbons that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms in them. Carbon and hydrogen atoms are bonded in such a way that a bond is formed between them. When two carbon atoms have a single bond between them, then the hydrocarbon is known as alkane. Alkanes are not very reactive since they have carbon atoms having valence electrons four thus forming four covalent bonds between carbon and hydrogen atoms. Suffix used in deining nomenclature of alkane is –ane.
We need to remember that the general formula for alkane is \[{C_n}{H_{2n + 2}}\], Alkanes can be a linear chain, branched chain or in a cyclic chain also. Cycloalkanes are also saturated as it has a cyclic ring containing carbon atoms that has only single bonds in it. The most common name reaction for the synthesis of alkane can be wurtz reaction or corey house reaction.
We will look at the examples for each type of alkane.
1.Linear chain: Alkane chain having straight long chain of carbon atoms.

This is a structure of n-pentane having a molecular formula \[{C_5}{H_{12}}\].
2.Branched chain: Alkane chain having branches is termed as branched alkane chain.

3.Cyclic chain: Alkanes that have cyclic rings in them which are saturated, are known as cycloalkanes.

This is an example of cycloalkane which is cyclohexane.

Note:
We need to remember that alkenes and alkynes are unsaturated hydrocarbons since they have double and triple bonds in them respectively while alkane has a single bond between carbon atoms thus it is a saturated hydrocarbon.