n-alkanes have the general formula C(n)H(2n+1) where the parenthesis are subscripts.
Can be straight chain (“n-“) or cyclic (“cyclo” prefix).
Cycloalkanes have the general formula C(n)H(2n) where the parenthesis are subscripts.
Find the longest chain. Branches off the longest chain are substituents. Number the chain such that the substituents have the lowest number. Substituents may be described by their position on the parent chain. E.g. 2,3-dimethylpentane. Use di-, tri-, etc. to describe how many substituents there are.
Nonpolar. London forces are additive. When comparing, size comes first then packing efficiency.
Consist of single bonds.
Saturated.
London forces which are also additive (e.g. the larger the molecule, the greater the london forces). The more “linear” the nature, the more surface area to “stack” the greater the intermolecular london force due to having more surface area to “stick”. In contrast, cycloalkanes have less sticking-surface area.
Low melting/boiling points (increase with chain length/mass) .
Usually less dense than water (increase with chain length/mass).
C1 methane. C2 ethane. C3 propane. C4 butane. After that, the naming follows “normally” pent-, hex-, hept-, oct-, non-, dec-
Carbons can be classifed as primary, secondary, tertiary, or quatenary depending on if it is bonded to 1 other carbon, 2 other carbons, 3 other carbons, or 4 other carbons respectively.
Cyclic Alkanes
C(n)H(2n)
Prefix “cyclo”
Alkenes and cycloalkanes can have cis- (same side) and trans- (opposite sides) descriptors. Cis- and trans- are specified at the beginning of the name.
Alkyl Group
Alkyl group is an alkane with one hydrogen removed.
