Question

Define alkanes and give examples

Answer 1

Alkanes are relatively stable, nonpolar molecules that do not react with acids, bases, or oxidizing or reducing agents. Examples of alkanes include methane, butane, gasoline, and kerosene. They are used as fuels and are also found in biological systems.

Step-by-step explanation:

Alkanes are relatively stable, nonpolar molecules that do not react with acids, bases, or oxidizing or reducing agents. They are sometimes referred to as paraffins because they have little affinity for other substances. Heat or light can initiate reactions in alkanes, such as combustion and halogenation.

Examples of alkanes include:

• Methane (CH4): the principal component of natural gas
• Butane (C4H10): used in camping stoves and lighters
• Gasoline: a liquid mixture of continuous- and branched-chain alkanes
• Kerosene, diesel oil, and fuel oil: primarily mixtures of alkanes with higher molecular masses

Alkanes are also used in biological systems, such as waxes found in Vaseline and pheromones used by sand bees.

Answer 2

the simplest organic molecules, consisting of only carbon and hydrogen and with only single bonds between carbon atoms.
Ex. Methane, Ethan, Propane, Butane