Differentiating between alkane, alkyne, alkene, and alkyl:

• Alkane: A saturated hydrocarbon with single bonds between carbon atoms. General formula: CnH2n+2.
• Alkyne: An unsaturated hydrocarbon containing at least one triple bond between carbon atoms. General formula: CnH2n-2.
• Alkene: An unsaturated hydrocarbon that contains at least one double bond between carbon atoms. General formula: CnH2n.
• Alkyl: A substituent derived from an alkane by removing one hydrogen atom, typically represented as R-.

Understanding the differences between alkanes, alkynes, alkenes, and alkyl groups is essential in organic chemistry. Each of these terms describes a specific type of hydrocarbon or derivative. Below is a breakdown of each category:

Alkanes

Alkanes are the simplest type of hydrocarbons. They consist solely of single bonds between carbon atoms, making them saturated. Their general formula is:

• C_nH_2n+2

Examples include methane (CH₄) and ethane (C₂H₆).

Alkynes

Alkynes are characterized by the presence of at least one triple bond between carbon atoms, which makes them unsaturated. Their general formula is:

• C_nH_2n-2

Common examples are ethyne (acetylene, C₂H₂) and propyne (C₃H₄).

Alkenes

Alkenes contain at least one double bond between carbon atoms, also classifying them as unsaturated hydrocarbons. Their general formula is:

• C_nH_2n

Examples include ethylene (C₂H₄) and propylene (C₃H₆).

Alkyl Groups

Alkyl groups are derived from alkanes by removing one hydrogen atom, which allows them to bond with other atoms or groups. They are typically represented as R-, where R stands for the alkyl group. For instance, the methyl group (CH₃) is an alkyl derived from methane.

In summary, the key differences lie in the types of bonds present and their structural formulas, which define their chemical properties and reactivity.