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Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds from "summary" of Organic Chemistry by John E. McMurry

Alkanes are composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms connected by single bonds, making them saturated hydrocarbons. The term "saturated" indicates that each carbon atom in an alkane is bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible, resulting in a stable molecular structure. This characteristic distinguishes alkanes from unsaturated hydrocarbons, such as alkenes and alkynes, which contain double or triple bonds between carbon atoms. The single bonds in alkanes provide flexibility in molecular shape, allowing these compounds to adopt various conformations. However, due to the presence of only single bonds, alkanes lack the reactivity associated with multiple bonds. The absence of double or triple bonds in alkanes limits their ability to undergo addition reactions, which are common in unsaturated hydrocarbons. The saturation of alkanes with single bonds contributes to their inert nature, as they are less prone to undergoing chemical reactions compared to unsaturated hydrocarbons. This stability makes alkanes valuable as non-reactive solvents and fuels. Additionally, the lack of functional groups in alkanes simplifies their chemical properties, making them useful as starting materials for organic synthesis. The systematic nomenclature of alkanes is based on the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain, with the suffix "-ane" indicating the presence of single bonds. This naming convention allows for the clear identification and differentiation of alkane compounds based on their molecular structure. Furthermore, the physical properties of alkanes, such as boiling point and melting point, are influenced by the size and shape of the molecule, as well as the strength of intermolecular forces.
  1. The concept of alkanes as saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds highlights their stability, inertness, and simplicity in chemical structure. This fundamental understanding of alkanes serves as the basis for exploring the diverse reactivity and applications of hydrocarbons in organic chemistry.
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Organic Chemistry

John E. McMurry

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