Decanes

Decanes are a class of organic compounds that are members of the alkane family. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they consist only of carbon and hydrogen atoms joined by single bonds. The prefix "dec-" indicates that a decane molecule contains ten carbon atoms. Therefore, decanes are alkanes with the chemical formula C10H22.

There are several possible structural isomers for decane, differing in the arrangement of the carbon atoms. The simplest and most common isomer is n-decane, where the ten carbon atoms are arranged in a straight, unbranched chain. Other isomers, known as branched alkanes, have a main chain of fewer than ten carbon atoms with one or more shorter carbon chains attached as branches. Examples of branched decanes include 2-methylnonane and 3-ethyl-octane.

Decanes are typically colorless liquids at room temperature with a characteristic odor. They are nonpolar molecules, making them insoluble in water but soluble in other nonpolar organic solvents. Like other alkanes, decanes are relatively unreactive. They undergo combustion when heated in the presence of oxygen, producing carbon dioxide and water. They can also undergo halogenation reactions under specific conditions, such as exposure to UV light. Decanes are found in petroleum and are used as components in fuels, solvents, and lubricants.