# Methane is the simplest alkane and is the main component of natural gas. Explain why methane is classified as an organic compound and describe the bonding and general formula that are characteristic of all alkanes.

> WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales) — 2.4 Organic compounds · Explain · 5 marks

> Natural gas is used as a fuel in homes and industry. Its main component, methane, belongs to the homologous series of alkanes.

## Mark scheme (5 marks)

1. Methane (and all organic compounds) contain carbon / organic compounds are compounds that contain carbon
2. Alkanes contain only single (covalent) bonds between carbon atoms / C–C single bonds
3. Each carbon atom forms four bonds / carbon is tetravalent / all bonds in alkanes are C–H or C–C single bonds
4. The general formula of alkanes is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂
5. Alkanes are saturated / they are saturated hydrocarbons / no double bonds so they are saturated

## Key terms

- [organic compound](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/organic-compound)
- [alkane](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/alkane)
- [general formula](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/general-formula)

## Related

- [Revision notes for WJEC A-Level Chemistry (Wales)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Explain" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/methane-is-the-simplest-alkane-and-4b0712bd) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.