what are unbranched alkanes also called
n-alkanes
formula for unbranched alkanes
CnH2n+2
formula for branched alkanes
CnH2n+2
what are alkanes primarily used as
fuels, solvents, and lubricants
combustion
reaction where alkane reacts w/ excess O2 and heat to yield CO2 and H2O
catalytic hydrocracking
alkane reacts with H2, heat, and catalyst to form shorter-chain alkanes
catalytic cracking
alkane reacts w/ heat and catalyst to yield shorter-chain alkanes and alkenes
halogenation
alkane and halogen react w/ heat or light
steric strain
interference between bulky groups
order of stability for cyclohexane conformations
chair > twist boat > boat > half chair