What is the general formula for alkanes?

The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n + 2, where "n" represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. This formula reflects the saturated nature of alkanes, meaning they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. For every carbon atom in the alkane, there are two hydrogen atoms, plus an additional two hydrogen atoms that account for the hydrogens at the ends of the carbon chain.

Alkanes are the simplest type of hydrocarbons and include compounds like methane (1 carbon atom), ethane (2 carbon atoms), and propane (3 carbon atoms). As the number of carbon atoms increases, the number of hydrogen atoms also increases according to this formula.

This formula is distinct because other hydrocarbons, like alkenes and alkynes, follow different general formulas due to the presence of double or triple bonds, which reduce the number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbons. Understanding the formula for alkanes is crucial when exploring organic chemistry, as it lays the foundation for recognizing how hydrocarbons behave in different contexts.