Homologous Series

Alkane

Alkane: a group of organic compounds that are saturated hydrocarbons.
A single carbon atom can form 4 bonds with other atoms.
The general formula of alkane: \(C_nH_{2n+2}\)

Number of carbon atoms	Molecular formula	Structural formula
Methane
1	\(CH_4\)
Ethane
2	\(C_2H_6\)
Propane
3	\(C_3H_8\)
Butane
4	\(C_4H_{10}\)
Pentane
5	\(C_5H_{12}\)
Hexane
6	\(C_6H_{14}\)
Heptane
7	\(C_7H_{16}\)
Octane
8	\(C_8H_{18}\)
Nonane
9	\(C_9H_{20}\)
Decane
10	\(C_{10}H_{22}\)

Physical properties of alkanes

Melting point: Increases down the gro

Name of alkene	Physical state
Methane	Gas
Ethane	Gas
Propane	Gas
Butane	Gas
Pentane	Liquid
Hexane	Liquid
Heptane	Liquid
Octane	Liquid
Nonane	Liquid
Decane	Liquid

Properties	Explanation
Melting point
Increases as going down the group	As going down the group, the molecular size increases Requires more energy to overcome the attractive forces
Boiling point
Increases as going down the group	As going down the group, the molecular size increases Requires more energy to overcome the attractive forces
Density
Increases as going down the group	As going down the group, the molecular size increases
Solubility in water
Insoluble in water	Alkanes are covalent compounds
Conductivity of electricity
Does not conduct electricity	Does not contain freely moving ions