The term saturated means that they only have single carbon-carbon bonds, there are no double bonds
The general formula of the alkanes is CnH2n+2
They are colourless compounds which have a gradual change in their physical properties as the number of carbon atoms in the chain increases
Alkanes are generally unreactive compounds but they do undergo combustion reactions, can be cracked into smaller molecules and can react with halogens in the presence of light
Methane is an alkane and is the major component of naturalgas
This table shows the first five members of the alkane homologous series
Exam Tip
For your exam, you need to be able to name, draw and give the appropriate formula for the first five alkanes.