Alkanes: Definition, Properties, and Reactions

Alkanes: The Basics

• Alkanes are hydrocarbons, which means they are made up of only carbon and hydrogen atoms.
• They have single bonds between carbon atoms and are considered saturated hydrocarbons because they contain the maximum number of hydrogen atoms for each carbon atom.

Why Paraffins?

• Alkanes are also known as paraffins because they are relatively unreactive.
• The word "paraffin" comes from the Latin word "parum affinis," meaning "little affinity."

Geometry of Carbon in Alkanes

• Carbon in alkanes has a tetrahedral geometry. This means the four bonds around each carbon atom are arranged in a three-dimensional shape like a pyramid with a triangular base.

Bond Type in Alkanes

• Alkanes solely contain single bonds, specifically carbon-carbon (C-C) and carbon-hydrogen (C-H) single bonds.

Classification of Hydrocarbons

• Hydrocarbons are classified based on the type of bonds between carbon atoms.
• Alkanes are considered saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they only have single bonds between carbon atoms.
• Other types include unsaturated hydrocarbons, which include alkenes (double bonds) and alkynes (triple bonds).

Learn about the definition, classification, tetrahedral geometry of carbon, sources and uses, nomenclature, physical properties, preparation, and reactions of alkanes in this educational presentation by Dr. Mohamed A. Alswah.