alkanene

Alkanene is a term used in organic chemistry to describe a cyclic hydrocarbon that contains exactly one double bond. These compounds are a subset of the larger class of cyclic alkenes. The general formula for an alkanene is CnH2n-2, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms in the ring. The presence of the double bond within the ring structure influences the chemical reactivity of the molecule, making it susceptible to addition reactions, similar to acyclic alkenes.

The nomenclature for alkanenes follows the IUPAC system, starting with the prefix indicating the number of carbon atoms, followed by "-ene" to denote the double bond, and a cyclic suffix. For example, a six-membered ring with one double bond is called cyclohexene. The position of the double bond is typically indicated by a number if it is not at the lowest possible numbered position or if there is ambiguity. Isomers exist for alkanenes, differing in the position of the double bond or the arrangement of the carbon skeleton within the ring.

Alkanenes are found in various natural products and can be synthesized through different organic reactions. Their chemical properties are important in understanding the behavior of more complex cyclic organic molecules. The strain within the ring system can also play a role in the reactivity and stability of specific alkanenes.