Alkanes

What are alkanes?

The simplest organic molecule that is composed of a single-bonded carbon backbone which is connected to the maximum number of hydrogens. The fact that the maximum number of hydrogens are bonded to the carbons makes alkanes saturated. The general molecular formula for alkanes is C$_{n}$H$_{2n+2}$ and all the carbons involved in the single bonds are $sp^{3}$ hybridized.

Figure 42.1: An alkane.