-ane is a suffix used in organic chemistry to denote a class of saturated, acyclic hydrocarbons. This term is particularly important in the context of naming cycloalkanes, as the -ane ending is a key part of the IUPAC naming system for these types of compounds.
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The -ane suffix is used to indicate the presence of single carbon-carbon bonds in a hydrocarbon compound.
Cycloalkanes with the -ane suffix are named by identifying the number of carbon atoms in the ring and adding the -ane ending.
The IUPAC naming system for cycloalkanes follows the pattern: cyclo-[number of carbon atoms]-ane.
Cycloalkanes with the -ane suffix are saturated, meaning they have the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon skeleton.
The -ane suffix is part of a homologous series of alkanes, where each member differs by a -CH$_2$- unit.
Review Questions
Explain the significance of the -ane suffix in the IUPAC naming of cycloalkanes.
The -ane suffix in the IUPAC naming of cycloalkanes indicates that the compound is a saturated, cyclic hydrocarbon. It signifies the presence of single carbon-carbon bonds and the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon skeleton. This suffix is a crucial part of the naming system, as it allows for the unambiguous identification of the cyclic nature and degree of saturation of the compound.
Describe how the -ane suffix relates to the homologous series of alkanes.
The -ane suffix is a key feature of the homologous series of alkanes, which are saturated, acyclic hydrocarbons. Each member of the alkane series differs from the previous one by a -CH$_2$- unit, and the -ane suffix is used to denote the presence of single carbon-carbon bonds and the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms. This consistent use of the -ane suffix allows for the systematic naming and understanding of the relationships within the alkane homologous series, which is crucial in organic chemistry.
Analyze the role of the -ane suffix in differentiating cycloalkanes from other types of hydrocarbons.
The -ane suffix is essential in distinguishing cycloalkanes, which are saturated, cyclic hydrocarbons, from other types of hydrocarbons such as alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic compounds. The -ane suffix indicates the presence of single carbon-carbon bonds and the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms, which is a defining characteristic of cycloalkanes. This clear delineation through the -ane suffix allows for the accurate identification and classification of cycloalkanes within the broader context of organic chemistry, enabling the study of their unique properties and reactivity patterns.
Related terms
Alkane: A saturated, acyclic hydrocarbon compound with the general formula C$_n$H$_{2n+2}$.
Cycloalkane: A saturated, cyclic hydrocarbon compound with the general formula C$_n$H$_{2n}$.
Homologous Series: A series of organic compounds that differ by a repeating unit, such as -CH$_2$-, and have similar chemical properties.