Bonding in Hydrocarbons

Alkanes are hydrocarbons with all single bonds

between all carbon atoms
Alkanes can be either straight-chain or
branched-chain
Alkanes are also called as Paraffins
Generally the molecular formula of Alkanes is
C
n
H
2n+2
Where n is the Number of carbons
Few examples of Alkanes in increasing order of
carbon number are Methane, ethane, propane,
butane, pentane etc.


Alkenes are hydrocarbons with at least one
carbon-carbon double bond
Alkenes are also called as Olefins.
Generally the molecular formula of Alkanes is
C
n
H
2n
Where n is the Number of carbons (n>1)
Few examples of Alkenes in increasing order
of carbon number are Ethene, propene,
butene, pentene etc.


Alkynes are hydrocarbons with at least one
carbon-carbon triple bond.
Alkynes are traditionally known as acetylenes.
Generally the molecular formula of Alkanes is
C
n
H
2n-2
Where n is the Number of carbons (n>1)
Few examples of Alkynes in increasing order of
carbon number are ethyne, propyne, butyne etc.
Basic understanding of hydrocarbon classification
is useful to solve chemistry home work problems.

Alkanes
Alkenes
Alkynes