The longest unbranched chain containing the functional group is the parent molecule, or simply the longest unbranched chain for alkanes. Remember that, the longest chain can go round a bend.

The general formula for the alkanes is C n H 2n+2 (where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule). The table shows four alkanes, their molecular formulae, displayed formulae and structural ...

An unsolved challenge in catalysis is the efficient and selective functionalization of simple alkanes and plentiful hydrocarbon feedstocks. One promising approach since the late 1990’s is the use of ...