Should I Memorize Alkanes for Organic Chemistry?

[Spirochete]

I receieved an online organic chemistry prep tool from my college. It includes a couple of sections on alkanes. Do I really need start memorizing all these hydrocarbons for my organic chemistry class?

 

[bomba923]

I receieved an online organic chemistry prep tool from my college. It includes a couple of sections on alkanes. Do I really need start memorizing all these hydrocarbons for my organic chemistry class?

Just know the nomenclature rules and you'll be fine.

Edit: Compared to other organic compounds, alkanes are relatively inert, so you may want to keep in mind the few reactions they will generally undergo.

 

[Nesk]

I'd strongly recommend memorizing the alkanes, though the best way to do so is to use it and work with it. Have a table ready when you do problems, but try to remember each one before you look it up, and soon you'll not need the table.

There are only four alkanes to remember. The rest is just counting in Greek. See this as an oppertunity to brush up your Greek skills. ;)