alkane

views updated Jun 11 2018

alkane Hydrocarbon compound with the general formula CnH2n+2. Alkanes have a single carbon-carbon bond and form an homologous series whose first members are methane, ethane, propane and butane. Because alkanes are saturated compounds they are relatively unreactive. Alkanes are used as fuels. See also paraffin

alkane

views updated May 14 2018

al·kane / ˈalˌkān/ • n. Chem. any of the series of saturated hydrocarbons having the general formula CnH2n+2, including methane, ethane, and propane.