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Cx = the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. Methane would be C1.
According to the EPA (http://www.epa.gov/sites/production/files/documents/1999polychloroalkanes.pdf), "The normal paraffin fractions that are most commonly used in the manufacture of polychlorinated alkanes are short chain (C10 to C13, average C12), intermediate chain (C14 to C19, average C15), and long chain (C20 to C30, average C24) fractions." I've also seen people state any alkane between C2 and C4 - all the alkanes whose names don't contain the number of carbon atoms in their longest chain, written in Greek - is a short chain alkane, and another of our esteemed members defines them as alkanes from C2 to C6. IOW, what a short chain alkane is depends on the branch of chemistry you practice; a chemist in a polymer lab has a different view of the world than one in a fuels lab.
Methane is not a short chain alkane because it isn't a chained alkane; chains have multiple links, which in alkanes are carbon molecules.
Wiki User
∙ 8y ago
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoGenerally short chain alkanes have the formula CnH2n+2 and include methane, ethane, propane and butane. Pentane and higher are medium and longer chain alkanes.
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoMethane, ethane, propane, butane are shorter chain hydrocarbons. Their alkene and alkyne equivalents are too.
Wiki User
∙ 8y agoShort chain linear alkanes are methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, hexane.
Wiki User
∙ 15y agowhat is short chained hydrocarbon?
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Why does viscosity go on increasing with increasing chain length of straight-chain alkanes but for isomeric alkanes viscosity increase with branching?
Viscosity increases with increasing chain length of straight-chain alkanes while that for isomeric alkanes increase with branching because of the difference in the number of rings contained within their hydrocarbons.
Which compound may be formed when alkanes are cracked?
When an alkane is cracked, alkenes and shorter alkanes are produced.
Hydrocarbons which have only single bonds between carbon atoms?
All alkanes have single bonds.They consist of single bonds.
How can alkanes be described?
Alkanes can be described as saturated.
Is petrol a short chain hydrocarbon?
Yes, it is infact a short chain molecule :D
Are longer chain alkanes more flammable than shorter chain alkanes?
No, Shorter chain alkanes are more flammable
Why does viscosity go on increasing with increasing chain length of straight-chain alkanes but for isomeric alkanes viscosity increase with branching?
Viscosity increases with increasing chain length of straight-chain alkanes while that for isomeric alkanes increase with branching because of the difference in the number of rings contained within their hydrocarbons.
Which compounds have the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms on their carbon chain?
The alkanes have this feature.The entire group of alkanes has this characteristic.alkane
What is the increment of change in a series of straight chain alkanes?
CH2
What is the process that converts large alkanes to small alkanes and alkenes is called?
Long-chain alkanes can be broken into smaller hydrocarbons in a process called cracking, which may be thermal or catalytic.
What is the physical state of the smallest alkanes at room temperature?
Alkanes with a carbon chain of 5 up to 17 are liquids. So the set of liquid alkanes begins with pentane, C5H12.
Why does isomerisation turn straight chain alkanes into alkanes with lower boiling temperature?
Isomerisation causes straight chain alkanes to become branched alkanes which prevents the chains from moving to close proximities of each other. This reduces the van der Waal's intermolecular forces between chains so less energy is needed to overcome the forces and thus a lower boiling point.
Which quantity represents the prefix used in naming straight-chain alkanes with the exception of methane propane and butane?
The prefix used in naming straight-chain alkanes, excluding methane, propane, and butane, represents the number of carbon atoms in the chain. This prefix is derived from Greek or Latin numerical prefixes, such as "pent-" for five carbons in pentane or "oct-" for eight carbons in octane.
Which compound may be formed when alkanes are cracked?
When an alkane is cracked, alkenes and shorter alkanes are produced.
What is the general formula for the alkanols?
The general formula for linear alkanes is CnH2n+2. Where cabon atoms are joined in a chain like form.
Why do alkanes get thicker and less runny as the length of the carbon chain increases?
The longer the carbon chain, it spreads out the atoms more equally which causes the carbon to get thicker and less runny.
What are straight chain or branch chain hydrocarbons called in which all the bonds between carbon atoms are single covalent bonds?
With no double or triple bonds, they are called "saturated".
