MAIN CLASSES OF ORGANIC COMPOUNDS

There are three main classes of organic compounds.

• Alkanes ,Alkenes ,Alkynes.

1. Alkanes (Saturated compounds)

Hydrocarbons which contain only C-C single bonds are called Alkanes.They are also called Paraffins because they are less reactive or have less affinity.

• General formula

CnH2n+2.

• Exambles

Methane ,Ethane ,Propane e.t.c.

    2.Alkenes (Unsaturated compounds)

Hydrocarbons which contain at least one C=C double are called Alkenes.They are also called Oilfins because their lower members when react with Halogens make oily products.

• General formula

CnH2n.

• Exambles 

Methene ,Ethene ,Propene e.t.c.

     3.Alkynes (Unsaturated compounds)

Hydrocarbons which contain at least one Carbon Carbon tripple bond are called Alkynes.They are also called Accetylens.

• General formula

CnH2n-2.

• Exambles

Methyne ,Ethyne ,Propyne e.t.c.