Structure of Molecules

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These compounds are members of the alkane series, a family of hydrocarbons having the general molecular formula:

C_nH_2n+2

In this formula, "n" stands for the number of carbon atoms. The formula states that the number of hydrogen atoms in any alkane is two times the number of carbon atoms, plus two. For example, propane has three carbon atoms. Therefore, propane has (2 x 3) + 2 hydrogen atoms. Its molecular formula is C₃H₈.

Figure 4. Three-dimensional model of the molecular structure of propane, an alkane made up of three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms.

Figure 4
Propane
Three-dimensional model of the molecular structure of propane, an alkane made up of three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms.