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Alkanes for Edexcel GCSE Chemistry







This page covers the following topics:
1. Formulae and solubility of alkanes
2. First four alkanes
3. Molecular formula of alkanes
Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons, they are non-polar so are insoluble in water.
The first 4 alkanes follow the usual naming pattern for hydrocarbons.
Molecular formula shows the number and type of atoms present in a molecule, remember that for alkanes they will follow the general formula from before.
1
How does solubility of alkanes change with chain length?
Shorter alkanes are slightly more soluble than longer chain alkanes.
2
What is the name of the molecule C₂H₆?
ethane
3
What is the general formula of alkanes?
CnH2n+2
4
What is the molecular formula of ethane?
C₂H₆
5
What is the molecular formula for an alkane with 20 carbon atoms?
C₂₀H₄₂
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