Chapter Thirty-Nine

Alkanes

Alkanes are hydrocarbons that have the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms attached to each carbon, and thus are said to be saturated. These compounds consist only of hydrogen and carbon atoms joined by single bonds and their general formula is C_nH_2n+2. However, alkanes can be modified with additional functional groups as well, such as alcohols, halogens, or amines.

A brief overview of nomenclature and properties of alkanes will be followed by a discussion of substitution reactions and then additional types of reactions.