Alkaneiden

Alkanes are a class of saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2, where n is an integer. They are the simplest organic compounds and consist solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms connected by single covalent bonds. The carbon atoms form a chain or a branched structure, and each carbon atom is bonded to the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms.

The first four alkanes are methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), and butane (C4H10). As the number of carbon atoms increases, the physical properties of alkanes change. Lower molecular weight alkanes are gases at room temperature, such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane. Medium-sized alkanes, typically with 5 to 17 carbon atoms, are liquids, while larger alkanes with more than 17 carbon atoms are waxy solids. Their boiling points and melting points increase with increasing molecular size due to stronger van der Waals forces between molecules.

Alkanes are generally unreactive due to the strength and nonpolarity of their C-C and C-H bonds. They do not readily react with acids, bases, or oxidizing agents. Their primary reactions are combustion, where they react with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water, releasing energy, and halogenation, which typically occurs under UV light. Due to their low reactivity, alkanes are often used as fuels, solvents, and lubricants.