The Alkanes (Leaving Cert Chemistry): Flashcards

Single bonds only

Saturated (only single bonds)

$C_nH_{2n+2}$

Increases

Stronger van der Waals forces

Relatively low/unreactive

Non-polar molecules

$CH_2$ unit

Same general formula, similar chemical properties

Methane ($CH_4$)

$CH_3$

Longest continuous carbon chain

Alphabetical order

Same molecular formula, different structural arrangement

$C_6H_{12}$