View source for Alkanes

Alkanes are the simplest class of [[Hydrocarbons|Hydrocarbons]]. They&nbsp;contain only single bonds between molecules. They range in size from [[Methane|Methane]], the smallest alkane with a chemical formula of CH<sub>4, </sub>to long chain molecules which branch and may form different [[Sterioisomers|isomers]]<span class="gmw_">. The general formula for alkanes <span class="gm_ gm_bf181a43-b202-a01a-f0e0-e35fd3ce3002 gm-spell">is</span> C</span><sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n+2 </sub>and this may be used to predict the formula of any alkane<ref>http://www.chemguide.co.uk/organicprops/alkanes/background.html#top</ref>.The formula shows that the number of hydrogens is double the number of carbons with another two added on.<br> 

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