Alkanes
Homologous series Alkanes are hydrocarbons (C
and H) that contain only
A homologous series is a
single covalent bonds.
family of organic compounds
with similar chemical Naming alkanes
properties.
Name Number Molecular
Organic compounds in the of carbon formula
atoms
same homologous series have
Methane 1 CH4
the following properties in
Ethane 2 C2H6
common:
Propane 3 C3H8
• Same functional group Butane 4 C4H10
• Similar chemical properties Pentane 5 C5H12
• There is a gradual change • Alkanes differ from the
in their physical properties next by a CH2 unit.
e.g melting and boiling • Alkanes have the general
points and viscosity due molecular formula
to an increase in size and CnH2n+2.
mass of the molecules • Members of the same
homologous series have
the same general formula
Homologous series Alkanes are hydrocarbons (C
and H) that contain only
A homologous series is a
single covalent bonds.
family of organic compounds
with similar chemical Naming alkanes
properties.
Name Number Molecular
Organic compounds in the of carbon formula
atoms
same homologous series have
Methane 1 CH4
the following properties in
Ethane 2 C2H6
common:
Propane 3 C3H8
• Same functional group Butane 4 C4H10
• Similar chemical properties Pentane 5 C5H12
• There is a gradual change • Alkanes differ from the
in their physical properties next by a CH2 unit.
e.g melting and boiling • Alkanes have the general
points and viscosity due molecular formula
to an increase in size and CnH2n+2.
mass of the molecules • Members of the same
homologous series have
the same general formula
