What do methane, ethane and propane represent in the study of carbon compounds?
Chains containing increasing carbon atoms
Methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6) and propane (C3H8) are the first members of the alkane homologous series (CnH2n+2).
They contain 1, 2 and 3 carbon atoms respectively, so each successive member has one more carbon atom (a –CH2– unit) in the chain than the previous one.
They are saturated open-chain hydrocarbons, not aromatic compounds, and contain no metal atoms; only methane has a single carbon atom.
Hence, the answer is Chains containing increasing carbon atoms.
Similar Questions
Which property is most affected if the length of the carbon chain in an alkane increases?
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Assertion (A): Unsaturated hydrocarbons give a yellow flame with black smoke.
Reason (R): They burn completely when oxygen is insufficient.
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(1) All members have the same general formula.
(2) Each successive member differs by a \(-CH_2-\) group.
(3) Physical properties remain identical for all members.
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Important Questions from Hydrocarbons
- Which structural feature contributes to the high reactivity of unsaturated organic compounds?
- Unsaturated hydrocarbons usually produce:
- Which property of carbon allows it to form a large number of compounds by bonding with itself and other elements?
- Which type of bond is present between carbon atoms in saturated hydrocarbons?
- Power Alcohol is a mixture of ______ and ethyl alcohol.
