Alkanes

Alkanes General Formula CnH2n+2

Methane CH4

Ethane C2H6

Propane C3H8

Butane C4H10

Pentane C5H12

Hexane C6H14

Heptane C7H16

Octane C8H18

Alkanes

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, as all bonds in alkane molecules are single bonds

Methane CH4

Ethane C2H6

Propane C3H8

Butane C4H10

Pentane C5H12

Alkanes

Alkane molecules are tetrahedral, e.g. propane

Physical properties

Physical state: The first four alkanes are gases, while pentane and higher alkanes are liquids

Insoluble in water Soluble in non-polar solvents such as

cyclohexane

Uses

Used as fuels Petrol, diesel, LPG and natural gas are all

mixtures of alkanes