Aliphatic hydrocarbons can be chains {alkane}| or rings {cycloalkane}. Small alkanes have one carbon {methane}, two carbons {ethane}, three carbons {propane}, four carbons {butane}, five carbons {pentane}, six carbons {hexane}, seven carbons {heptane}, or eight carbons {octane}.
branching
Alkanes {n-alkane} can have no branches. Alkanes {iso-alkane} can branch at second carbon. Alkanes {neo-alkane} can have two single-carbon side-chain methyl groups on second carbon. Alkanes can have functional group on second carbon {sec-}. Alkanes can have functional group and carbon side chain on second carbon {tert-}.
properties
Alkanes are colorless, odorless, not polar, not reactive, not acidic, not basic, and oxidizable. If alkane has one to four carbons, it is gas. If alkane has five to nineteen carbons, it is liquid. If alkane has more than nineteen carbons, it is waxy solid.
Hydrocarbons {aliphatic}| can have only single bonds.
Alkanes {alkyl group} can attach to carbon chains as side chains.
Alkanes can have single-carbon side chains {methyl group}.
Mixtures {naphtha} can have alkanes with four to ten carbons.
Mixtures {kerosene} can have alkanes with nine to fifteen carbons.
Mixtures {diesel fuel} can have alkanes with fifteen to twenty-five carbons.
Mixtures {lubricating oil} can have alkanes with more than 20 carbons.
Mixtures {asphalt} can have alkanes with more than 30 carbons.
Outline of Knowledge Database Home Page
Description of Outline of Knowledge Database
Date Modified: 2022.0225