Three long-chain alkanes detected by Nasa’s Curiosity rover could be chemical biosignatures that point to a history of past ...

While the presence of these molecules is not proof of ancient life on Mars, scientists say it shows we could detect chemical ...

An unsolved challenge in catalysis is the efficient and selective functionalization of simple alkanes and plentiful hydrocarbon feedstocks. One promising approach since the late 1990’s is the use of ...

Bromine water is an orange solution of bromine. It becomes colourless when it is shaken with an alkene. Alkenes can decolourise bromine water, but alkanes cannot. The slideshow shows this process.

The general formula of the alkanes is \({C_n}{H_{2n + 2}}\). They are insoluble in water. The names, molecular formula and the structural formula of the first eight alkanes must be learned.

NASA's Curiosity rover has discovered the largest chunk of organic compounds on Mars, hinting at potential life on the Red Planet.

A dilute solution of bromine is added to samples of heptane and cyclohexene. The bromination reactions and mechanisms are compared. UV light splits the bromine molecule into two reactive radicals, ...