Question

Classify the following compounds as alkanes, alkenes and alkynes:
c2h4, c3h4, c4h8, c5h12, c5h8, c3h8, c6h6

Answer 1

1. $C_{2} H_{4}$ is an alkene as it contain a double bond.
2. $C_{3} H_{4}$ is an alkyne as it contain a triple bond.
3. $C_{4} H_{8}$ is an alkene as it contain a double bond.
4. $C_{5} H_{12}$ is an alkane as it contain single bonds.
5. $C_{5} H_{8}$ is an alkyne as it contain a triple bond.
6. $C_{3} H_{8}$ is an alkane as it contains single bonds.
7. $C_{6} H_{6}$ is an alkene as it contains three double bonds.

Answer 2

$C_{2} H_{4}$ is an alkene.

$C_{3} H_{4}$ is an alkynes.

$C_{4} H_{8}$ is an alkene.

$C_{5} H_{12}$ is an alkane.

$C_{5} H_{8}$ is an alkyne.

$C_{3} H_{8}$ is an alkane.

$C_{6} H_{6}$ is an alkene.

What is an alkane?

• Alkanes consist of molecules which has only single bonded atoms.
• These are saturated hydrocarbons.
• Alkanes are least reactive hydrocarbon species.

What is an alkene?

• Alkenes consist of double bonded carbon and carbon atoms.
• Molecules with one or more double bonds are classified as alkenes.

What is an alkyne?

• Alkynes consist of triple bonds of carbon-carbon atoms.
• Molecules with one or more triple bonds are classified as alkynes.
• These are unsaturated hydrocarbons.