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'''Alkanes''' are substances that belong to a homologous series of [[organic]] compounds that contain the elements [[carbon]] and [[hydrogen]] only, and whose members differ by constant relative [[molecular mass]] of 14. In an alkane, each carbon atom and hydrogen atom are held together by saturated covalent bonds; the general molecular formula for alkanes is C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n+2</sub>. In contemporary industrial societies, these [[hydrocarbon]]s are most often as [[fuel]]s and to produce chemicals, such as [[methane]] and [[octane]]. These chemicals are derived from the fractional [[distillation]] of [[crude oil]] and via [[catalytic cracking]].
'''Alkanes''' are substances that belong to a homologous series of [[organic]] compounds that contain the elements [[carbon]] and [[hydrogen]] only, and whose members differ by constant relative [[molecular mass]] of 14. In an alkane, each carbon atom and hydrogen atom are held together by saturated covalent bonds; the general molecular formula for alkanes is C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n+2</sub>. In contemporary industrial societies, these [[hydrocarbon]]s are most often as [[fuel]]s and to produce chemicals, such as [[methane]] and [[octane]]. These chemicals are derived from the fractional [[distillation]] of [[crude oil]] and via [[catalytic cracking]]. Alkanes are insoluble in water, and have a lower density thus making them float atop water.
Alkanes are insoluble in water, and have a lower density thus making them float atop water.
==Isomers==
When alkanes have more than three carbon atoms, they can be arranged in different ways, in a line or branched fashion. The different arrangements are called [[isomer]]s, with standardized nomenclature to describe the isomeric forms. See [[IUPAC nomenclature]].
When alkanes have more than three carbon atoms, they can be arranged in different ways, in a line or branched fashion. The different arrangements are called [[isomer]]s, with standardized nomenclature to describe the isomeric forms. See [[IUPAC nomenclature]].
==Naming==
Linear chained alkanes with fewer than 4 carbon atoms have special names:
Linear chained alkanes with fewer than 4 carbon atoms have special names:
* 1 carbon atom : Methane, CH<sub>4</sub>
* 1 carbon atom : Methane, CH<sub>4</sub>