Alkane Hydrocarbons

Methane

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Methane is the simplest alkane hydrocarbon, whose chemical formula is CH4. Each of the hydrogen atoms is bonded to carbon by a covalent bond. It is a non-polar substance that occurs as a gas at ordinary temperatures and pressures. It is colorless, odorless and insoluble in water.

Ethane

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Ethane is an aliphatic alkane hydrocarbon with two carbon atoms, formula C2H6. Under normal conditions it is gaseous and an excellent fuel. Its boiling point is -88 °C. It is found in appreciable quantities in natural gas.

Propane

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Propane is a colorless, odorless gas. It belongs to the aliphatic hydrocarbons with carbon single bonds, known as alkanes. Its chemical formula is C3H8.

Butane

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Butane, also called n-butane, is a saturated, paraffinic or aliphatic, flammable, gaseous hydrocarbon that liquefies at atmospheric pressure at -0.5 °C, consisting of four carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms, whose chemical formula is C4H10. An isomer of this gas can also be called by the same name: isobutane or methylpropane.

Covalent hydrocarbon bonds

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This simulation allows us to build hydrocarbon molecules by combining carbon and hydrogen atoms.

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