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Definitions of Vocabulary
Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes
Models and Naming of Organic Molecules
External Links
Mrs. Shumway's Website
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Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alkynes
Alkanes
Alkanes are hydrocarbons with only single bonds between the atoms.
Alkanes can be either straight-chain or branched-chain . Straight-chain alkanes are the simplest.
The number of carbons in each chain determine the name.
| The Alkanes |
| Name |
Molecular Formula |
Condensed Structural Formula |
| Methane |
CH4 |
CH4 |
| Ethane |
C2H6 |
CH3CH3 |
| Propane |
C3H8 |
CH3CH2CH3 |
| Butane |
C4H10 |
CH3CH2CH2CH3 |
| Pentane |
C5H12 |
CH3CH2CH2CH2CH3 |
For more information about naming alkanes, see the
Models and Naming of Organic Molecules Section.
Alkenes and Alkynes
Alkenes are hydrocarbons with at least one double bond. Alkynes are hydrocarbons with at least
one triple bond.
They are named in the same way as alkanes, but instead of an -ane suffix,
an -ene or -yne suffix is used.
For more information about naming alkenes and alkynes, see the
Models and Naming of Organic Molecules Section.
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