Alkanes: From Methane to Eicosane
This document provides a comprehensive list of the first 20 alkanes, showcasing their chemical formulas and systematic names. Alkanes are fundamental hydrocarbons with single bonds between carbon atoms, forming the backbone of organic chemistry.
- The list begins with methane (CH₄) and progresses to eicosane (C₂₀H₄₂)
- Each alkane's name corresponds to the number of carbon atoms in its chain
- The general formula for alkanes is CnH₂n+₂, where n is the number of carbon atoms