Alkane - Structure Classification

Structure Classification

Saturated hydrocarbons can be:

• linear (general formula C_nH_{2n + 2}) wherein the carbon atoms are joined in a snake-like structure
• branched (general formula C_nH_{2n + 2}, n > 3) wherein the carbon backbone splits off in one or more directions
• cyclic (general formula C_nH_2n, n > 2) wherein the carbon backbone is linked so as to form a loop.

According to the definition by IUPAC, the former two are alkanes, whereas the third group is called cycloalkanes. Saturated hydrocarbons can also combine any of the linear, cyclic (e.g., polycyclic) and branching structures, and they are still alkanes (no general formula) as long as they are acyclic (i.e., having no loops).They also have single covalent bonds between their carbons.