Alkane
A saturated hydrocarbon containing only single carbon–carbon bonds.
Formula / equation
CₙH₂ₙ₊₂
Unit
Dimensionless
In depth
Every carbon is sp³ hybridised and tetrahedral, and free rotation about the single bonds makes the chains conformationally flexible. Alkanes are relatively unreactive — once called paraffins, meaning little affinity — and undergo only combustion and free-radical substitution under forcing conditions.
Examples in the real world
Methane, ethane, propane in camping gas, and the C₅–C₁₂ mixture that makes up petrol.