Molecule Alkanes are named using a prefix and a suffix. The prefix indicates the number of carbon atoms in the molecule, while the suffix indicates the type of hydrocarbon.
Prefix:
- Meth- (1 carbon atom)
- Eth- (2 carbon atoms)
- Prop- (3 carbon atoms)
- But- (4 carbon atoms)
- Pent- (5 carbon atoms)
- Hex- (6 carbon atoms)
- Hept- (7 carbon atoms)
- Oct- (8 carbon atoms)
- Non- (9 carbon atoms)
- Dec- (10 carbon atoms)
Suffix:
ane (saturated hydrocarbon)
Example : Methane, Ethane, Propane, Butane, Pentane, Hexane, Heptane, Octane, Nonane, Decane