Question #93e1c

1 Answer
reudhreghs
Oct 23, 2017

Alkanes are #C_nH_(2n+2)#
Alkyl radicals have a hydrogen ion removed and a lone electron pair remaining, #C_nH_(2n+1)#

Explanation:

An alkane is any hydrocarbon which is fully saturated with hydrogen. It has the formula

#"alkane " = C_nH_(2n+2)#

An alkyl radical is not fully saturated as it has a lone pair of electrons which makes it highly reactive. They have the general formula

#"alkyl radical " = C_nH_(2n+1)#

Alkyl radicals are formed from alkanes by the removal of a #H^+# ion, leaving the electron behind. This gives the alkyl radical a lone pair of electrons with which to do chemistry.

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