Cycloalkanes

Definition

Cycloalkanes are a class of hydrocarbons that contain a ring of carbon atoms connected by single bonds, differing from alkanes due to their cyclic structure. They are saturated, meaning they have the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible per carbon atom without double or triple bonds.

Related terms

Alkanes:

Hydrocarbons with only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms, forming straight or branched chains.

Saturated hydrocarbons: Hydrocarbons where all carbon-carbon bonds are single bonds, filled to capacity with hydrogen atoms.

Stereochemistry:

The study of the spatial arrangements of atoms in molecules and how this influences the physical and chemical properties of those molecules