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Systematic carbon chemistryRecap - Cycloalkanes

Carbon chemistry involves many different families of compounds and the reactions needed to interchange them. Understanding the properties of different compounds caused by functional groups and intermolecular forces is important.

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Recap - Cycloalkanes

The third homologous series is the cycloalkanes. Their names all end in –ane and begin with cyclo-, for example cyclopropane. The cycloalkanes have the general formula \({C_n}{H_{2n}}\).

The first four cycloalkanes. Cyclopropane (C3H6) has three carbon atoms arranged in a triangle. Each carbon atom is single bonded to the other two. They are all additionally bonded to two hydrogen atoms each. Cyclobutane (C4H8) has four carbon atoms arranged in a square. Each carbon atom is single bonded to the two on either side of it. They are all additionally bonded to two hydrogen atoms each. Cyclopentane (C5H10) has five carbon atoms arranged in a pentagon. Each carbon atom is single bonded to the two on either side of it. They are all additionally bonded to two hydrogen atoms each. Cyclohexane (C5H10) has six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagon. Each carbon atom is single bonded to the two on either side of it. They are all additionally bonded to two hydrogen atoms each.

Even though they have the same general formula as the alkenes, the cycloalkanes are saturated and contain only single bonds. This means that they do not quickly decolourise bromine solution. Cyloalkanes are isomers of the alkenes.

Many cycloalkanes are used in motor fuel, natural gas, kerosene, diesel and other heavy oils.

General formula, functional group and properties of cycloalkanes.

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