What is an alkane in chemistry? What is the general formula of the alkanes?The alkanes are a family of simple hydrocarbons with general formula CnH2n+2, where n= 1, 2, 3, ...Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons. Each carbon atom is bonded to four other atoms (carbon or hydrogen atoms) by single covalent bonds.How do you name … [Read more...] about How are alkanes formed?