Question

Write the formulae and the name of the first four members of the alkane family.

Answer 1

Step 1:

Alkane is the acyclic compound having a single bond between Carbon-Carbon and Carbon-Hydrogen atoms.

The general formula of alkane compound is ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{H}}_{2\mathrm{n}+2}$.

Step 2:

There are the first four members of alkane by putting n values up to four Carbon ($\mathrm{C}$) atoms is given below:

• When $\mathrm{n}=1$, then the first alkane compound is Methane and its molecular formula is ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$
• When $\mathrm{n}=2$, then the second alkane compound is Ethane and its molecular formula is ${\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_6$
• When $\mathrm{n}=3$, then the third alkane compound is Propane and its molecular formula is ${\mathrm{C}}_3{\mathrm{H}}_8$
• When $\mathrm{n}=4$, then the fourth alkane compound is Butane and its molecular formula is ${\mathrm{C}}_4{\mathrm{H}}_{10}$