What is the general formula of alkanes? Identify the alkanes from the following hydrocarbons.
CH4,C2H2,C2H6, C3H6 and C3H8
The general molecular formula of alkanes is CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms present.
When n=1, the compound is CH4.
When n=2, the compound is C2H6.
When n=3, the compound is C3H8 and so on.
Therefore the alkanes from the given set of hydrocarbons are CH4, C2H6, C3H8.