Chapter 3: Types of Organic Compounds, Nomenclature, and Basic Reactions: Alkanes and Cycloalkanes

Alkanes are a group of organic compounds with a molecular composition of just hydrogen and carbon. They are hydrocarbons with the general formula C_nH_2n+2 and are mostly sourced from the petrochemical industry and natural gas. They are based on sp³-hybridised carbon with the maximum capacity of the carbon in covalent bonding (e.g. with hydrogen) maintained, i.e. fully saturated. A ring system requires the loss of two hydrogen atoms from the molecular formula of alkanes, hence cycloalkanes have the general formula C_nH_2n. The physical and chemical characteristics of alkanes and cycloalkanes along with their nomenclature are discussed.