Naming Alkanes and Isomers

Related Topics:
More Lessons for IGCSE Chemistry
Math Worksheets

A series of free IGCSE Chemistry Activities and Experiments (Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry).

Naming Alkanes
Alkanes are hydrocarbons with single bonds between the carbon atoms.
The general formula is C_nH_{(2n + 2)} Alkanes and their Isomers
Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula.
Example:
Isomers of Pentane: C₅H₁₂
n-pentane, methylbutane, dimethylpropane

• Show Video

Isomers of Hexane
n-hexane, 2-methypentane, 3-methypentane, 2,2-dimethybutane, 2,3-dimethybutane

• Show Video

Questions
1. What is the key difference between the molecular and structural formula of a hydrocarbon?
2. Name and draw the isomers of C₄H₁₀.
3. Name and draw the isomers of C₅H₁₂.

Answers

• Show Solutions for Questions 1 and 2
  1. The molecular formula shows how many of each type of atom are present in a molecule. The structural formula shows the connectivity of the atoms in the molecule - the bonds and the order in which the atoms are connected.
  2.

  

• Show Solutions for Question 3
  3.

  

Check out our most popular games!
Fraction Concoction	Fact Family Game	Number Bond Garden
Online Addition Subtraction Game	Penguin Solitaire	Sawayama Solitaire
Ark Solitaire	Eldritch Invasion	Shenzhen Solitaire

Check out more Solitaire games here.

We welcome your feedback, comments and questions about this site or page. Please submit your feedback or enquiries via our Feedback page.