The compound that comes directly after butane in the homologous series of alkanes is pentane.
Understanding Alkane Nomenclature
Alkanes are a fundamental class of organic compounds composed solely of single-bonded carbon and hydrogen atoms. They are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they contain the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible for their carbon framework. The naming of alkanes follows a systematic convention based primarily on the number of carbon atoms in their longest continuous chain. Each successive alkane in the series differs from the previous one by a single -CH₂- unit.
Common Alkanes by Carbon Count
The systematic naming of alkanes is crucial for identifying and classifying these molecules. Here's a breakdown of the first ten straight-chain alkanes and their corresponding carbon atom count:
Alkane Name | Number of Carbon Atoms |
---|---|
Methane | 1 |
Ethane | 2 |
Propane | 3 |
Butane | 4 |
Pentane | 5 |
Hexane | 6 |
Heptane | 7 |
Octane | 8 |
Nonane | 9 |
Decane | 10 |
As illustrated in the table, butane is the alkane with four carbon atoms. Following this well-established naming pattern, the next compound in the series is pentane, which systematically contains five carbon atoms. This consistent nomenclature is a cornerstone of organic chemistry, providing a clear and logical way to identify and discuss hydrocarbon compounds.