-ane

In organic chemistry, the suffix -ane forms the names of organic compounds where the −C−C− group (a carbon-carbon single bond) has been attributed the highest priority according to the rules of organic nomenclature. Such organic compounds are called alkanes . They are saturated hydrocarbons.

The names of the saturated hydrides of non-metals end with the suffix -ane: the hydrides of silicon are called silanes (SiH₄); the hydrides of boron are boranes (B₂H₆).

The final "-e" is dropped before a suffix that starts with a vowel, e.g. "propanol". ^[1]

Alternatively, "-ane" may be used for a mononuclear hydride of an element. For instance, methane for CH₄ and oxidane for H₂O (water). ^[2] For the etymology, see Alkane.

See also

• IUPAC nomenclature of organic chemistry

References

1. The Commission on the Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry (1971) [1958 (A: Hydrocarbons, and B: Fundamental Heterocyclic Systems), 1965 (C: Characteristic Groups)]. Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry (3rd combined ed.). London: Butterworths. ISBN   0-408-70144-7.
2. A Guide to IUPAC Nomenclature of Organic Compounds, IUPAC, Commission on Nomenclature of Organic Chemistry, 1993