why are alkanes called parrafins?
Answers
Paraffins is a Latin word meaning (parum = little + affinis = reactivity).
Alkanes are called paraffins because they have a little affinity towards a general reagent. In other words, alkanes are inert substances. They undergo reactions under drastic conditions.
ANSWER
Alkanes are Paraffins because =>
1)Paraffins came from a Latin Word meaning little affinity i.e less reactive.
2)Paraffins are compounds which have have large number of carbon and hydrogen bonds but all single bonds which makes them saturated.
3)And Alkanes shows the same property as they are saturated and doesn't shows much reaction.
So they are sometimes called Paraffins.
4) Paraffin term was coined by Reichenbach.
5) Also Alkanes can be said inert substances that undergoes reaction only under extreme conditions.
Extra Information
1)Alkenes are referred as Olefins.
2)Olefins are substances which has large number of carbon and hydrogen and have at least one double bond in them.
3)They are very reactive as they are not saturated.