They have a general formula of CnH2n+2
They have tetrahedral geometry
They are unsaturated
They are hydrocarbons that contain highest possible ratio of C to C
2006-12-16 10:14:12 · 4 answers · asked by jay 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Chemistry
They are unsaturated. This is reserved for alkenes and alkynes.
2006-12-16 10:16:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
AlkAnes are saturated, and alkEnes are unsaturated (or, they contain multiple bonds, like double bonds).
Since alkanes have no unsaturation, they will always have a maximum ratio of hydrogen to carbon.
Their formula is CnH2n + 2 which is as much hydrogen at you can put in.
Because there are no double bonds, and each carbon atom has four separate bonds, they have, by definition, a tetrahedral structure.
So, the third point "they are unsaturated" is the sport.
2006-12-16 18:48:02 · answer #2 · answered by acablue 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In order for a molecule to be saturated, it must have all possible hydrogens attached for a given number of number of carbons. In a neutral molecule, carbons will form four bonds. As long as all bonds between atoms are single bonds, the molecule should be "saturated" with hydrogens. Alkanes are always saturated.
(The answer is C - they are unsaturated. this is not a characteristic of alkanes)
2006-12-16 19:12:51 · answer #3 · answered by steven m 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alkanes are SATURATED, therefore the one which is not on of their characteristics is that they are unsaturated.
2006-12-16 18:22:35 · answer #4 · answered by Allabor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋