Comparison of Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alkynes

This page presents a comprehensive table comparing the structures and formulas of alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes for compounds containing one to five carbon atoms. The information is crucial for students studying organic chemistry and preparing for tests on hydrocarbon nomenclature and reactions.

The table is organized into three columns, each representing a different hydrocarbon group:

1. Alkanes (CnH2n+2): Saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds between carbon atoms.
2. Alkenes (CnH2n): Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon double bond.
3. Alkynes (CnH2n-2): Unsaturated hydrocarbons with at least one carbon-carbon triple bond.

For each carbon number (1 to 5), the table provides:

• The compound name
• The molecular formula
• A structural representation showing the arrangement of carbon and hydrogen atoms

Vocabulary: Saturated hydrocarbons have only single bonds between carbon atoms, while unsaturated hydrocarbons contain at least one double or triple bond.

Example: For compounds with two carbon atoms, we have ethane (C2H6) as the alkane, ethene (C2H4) as the alkene, and ethyne (C2H2) as the alkyne.

Definition: The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2, for alkenes is CnH2n, and for alkynes is CnH2n-2, where n represents the number of carbon atoms.

Highlight: The structural representations clearly show the difference in bonding between the three hydrocarbon groups, with alkanes having all single bonds, alkenes having a carbon-carbon double bond, and alkynes having a carbon-carbon triple bond.

This table serves as an excellent resource for students studying alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, providing a quick reference for formulas, structures, and naming conventions. It can be particularly useful for test preparation and reviewing the fundamental concepts of organic chemistry.