noun
- A hydrocarbon containing only single bonds between carbon atoms, with the general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ for acyclic alkanes.
Usage: chemistry term; also called paraffin or saturated hydrocarbon
Examples
- Methane and ethane are the simplest alkanes.
- Alkanes are found in natural gas and crude oil.
- The alkane series includes propane, butane, and pentane.
- Alkanes have only C-C and C-H single bonds.
- Gasoline is a mixture of alkanes with 5 to 12 carbon atoms.
- Unlike alkenes, alkanes do not readily undergo addition reactions.