Introduction: Alkanes properties & Nomenclature Video Lecture | Chemistry Class 11 - NEET

Ans. Alkanes are hydrocarbons that are composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are characterized by the following properties: - Alkanes are nonpolar molecules due to the presence of only carbon and hydrogen atoms, resulting in weak intermolecular forces. - They have low melting and boiling points. - Alkanes are relatively unreactive and do not readily undergo chemical reactions. - They are insoluble in water but soluble in nonpolar solvents. - Alkanes burn in the presence of oxygen to produce carbon dioxide and water.

Ans. The nomenclature of alkanes follows the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) system. The name of an alkane is derived from the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. The general rules for naming alkanes are as follows: - Identify the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms and use it as the base name of the alkane. - Number the carbon atoms in the chain, starting from the end nearest to a substituent or functional group. - Name the substituents or functional groups attached to the chain and indicate their position using the number of the carbon atom to which they are attached. - Use prefixes such as "meth-" (1 carbon), "eth-" (2 carbons), "prop-" (3 carbons), etc., to indicate the number of carbon atoms in the chain.

Ans. Saturated alkanes are hydrocarbons that contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. They are called saturated because they are fully saturated with hydrogen atoms. Unsaturated alkanes, on the other hand, contain one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms. These double or triple bonds result in unsaturation, meaning they are not fully saturated with hydrogen atoms. The presence of double or triple bonds gives unsaturated alkanes different chemical properties compared to saturated alkanes.

Ans. The general formula of alkanes is CnH2n+2, where "n" represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. This formula indicates that each carbon atom in an alkane is bonded to two hydrogen atoms, and there are two additional hydrogen atoms for each carbon atom in the molecule.

Ans. Alkanes have various applications in everyday life. Some common uses of alkanes include: - Alkanes such as methane and propane are used as fuels for heating, cooking, and transportation. - Alkanes are used as starting materials in the production of plastics, polymers, and synthetic fibers. - They serve as solvents in various industrial processes. - Alkanes are used in the production of lubricants and waxes. - Natural gas, which primarily consists of alkanes, is used for generating electricity and heating homes and buildings.