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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.
What else can I help you with?
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.
Hydrocarbons which have only single bonds between carbon atoms?
Alkanes are hydrocarbons that have only single bonds between carbon atoms. They are saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2, where n represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. Alkanes are relatively inert and have straight or branched chain structures.
Which compound may be formed when alkanes are cracked?
When an alkane is cracked, alkenes and shorter alkanes are produced.
What is the volatility of Alkanes?
Alkanes high volatility as the type of Intermolecular Force of it is Van Der Waals', which is the weakest bond.
What is the functional group for C6H14?
The functional group for C6H14 is an alkane group, specifically a hexane chain. Alkanes are hydrocarbons with single bonds, and hexane specifically has a chain of six carbon atoms.
Are longer chain alkanes more flammable than shorter chain alkanes?
Shorter chain alkanes are generally more flammable than longer chain alkanes. This is because shorter chain alkanes are more volatile and readily vaporize, making them easier to ignite. Longer chain alkanes are less volatile and require higher temperatures to vaporize and ignite.
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
Hydrocarbons which have only single bonds between carbon atoms?
Alkanes are hydrocarbons that have only single bonds between carbon atoms. They are saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2, where n represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. Alkanes are relatively inert and have straight or branched chain structures.
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.
Which compound may be formed when alkanes are cracked?
When an alkane is cracked, alkenes and shorter alkanes are produced.
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.
Do alkanes contain covalent bonds?
Yes, alkanes contain covalent bonds. Covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms in a molecule, and in alkanes, carbon atoms form covalent bonds with hydrogen atoms to create a chain-like structure.
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.
What is the volatility of Alkanes?
Alkanes high volatility as the type of Intermolecular Force of it is Van Der Waals', which is the weakest bond.
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".
What are alkane liquids that are continuous chains?
At normal pressure, the alkanes pentane (C5H12) through decane (C10H22) are liquids. Alkanes are organic compounds consisting of a single carbon chain of single covalently bonded carbon atoms surrounded by hydrogen atoms.
