alkane

Definition

Any acyclic saturated hydrocarbon (methane, ethane, etc.).

Etymology

From German Alkan, formed as alkyl + -ane.

Example Sentences

• "The carbon chain of an alkane may be linear or branched, but must not contain loops (cycles); its chemical formula is of the form CₙH₂ₙ₊₂."
• "Whereas production levels of short-chain alkanes in plants are insufficient to provide an economically viable fuel source, the genes encoding the alkane biosynthetic pathway may provide a biotechnological resource for engineering fermentation organisms with the capacity to convert biomass to an alkane-based fuel."
• "The oxidation of the simplest alkane methanol is carried out by methylotrophs that may be obligate or facultative."

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