The Homologous Series of Alkanes: From Methane to Decane

This page presents a comprehensive overview of the first ten members of the szereg homologiczny alkanów do 10 (homologous series of alkanes up to 10 carbon atoms). The list begins with methane and progresses through to decane, showcasing the systematic naming convention and molecular formulas for each compound.

The table is organized in a clear, easy-to-read format, listing each alkane with its corresponding number of carbon atoms and molecular formula. This presentation allows for quick reference and comparison between the different members of the series.

Definition: A homologous series is a group of compounds with similar chemical properties, where each member differs from the next by a specific structural unit (in this case, a CH2 group).

The series starts with methane (CH4) and continues as follows:

1. Methane (CH4)
2. Ethane (C2H6)
3. Propane (C3H8)
4. Butane (C4H10)
5. Pentane (C5H12)
6. Hexane (C6H14)
7. Heptane (C7H16)
8. Octane (C8H18)
9. Nonane (C9H20)
10. Decane (C10H22)

Highlight: The systematic naming of alkanes follows a pattern based on the number of carbon atoms in the molecule, with prefixes derived from Greek numerals (e.g., pent- for 5, hex- for 6).

Vocabulary: Węglowodory nasycone (alkany) refers to saturated hydrocarbons, which are compounds consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms connected by single bonds.

Example: The wzór ogólny alkanów (general formula for alkanes) is CnH2n+2, where n represents the number of carbon atoms. For instance, butane (C4H10) follows this formula: 4 carbons, so 2(4) + 2 = 10 hydrogens.

This table serves as an excellent reference for students studying organic chemistry, particularly when learning about hydrocarbon nomenclature and molecular structures. It provides a clear visualization of how the molecular formula changes as the carbon chain lengthens, reinforcing the concept of homologous series in organic compounds.

Quote: "Metan, etan, propan, butan, pentan form the beginning of the alkane series, establishing the pattern for naming and formula construction of higher members."

Understanding this series is crucial for grasping more complex concepts in organic chemistry, such as isomerism, reactivity patterns, and the properties of hydrocarbons. It also serves as a foundation for exploring other homologous series like szereg homologiczny alkenów (alkenes) and szereg homologiczny alkinów (alkynes), which follow similar patterns but with different general formulas due to the presence of double and triple bonds, respectively.