What is the differentiation between alkanes, alkenes and alkynes?

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Detailed Solution

Alkanes have only single bonds (saturated), alkenes have at least one double bond, and alkynes have at least one triple bond. These three are families of hydrocarbons. Alkanes are saturated (all C–C single bonds), alkenes are unsaturated with C=C double bonds, and alkynes are unsaturated with C≡C triple bonds. Because of bonding, their formulas, reactivity, and uses differ.

Property	Alkanes	Alkenes	Alkynes
General formula	C_nH_2n+2	C_nH_2n	C_nH_2n−2
Bond type	Single (σ)	One or more C=C (σ + π)	One or more C≡C (σ + 2π)
Saturation	Saturated	Unsaturated	Unsaturated
Isomerism	Chain isomerism	Chain, position, geometric (cis/trans)	Chain, position
Reactivity	Low; substitution (halogenation)	Higher; addition reactions (hydrogenation, halogenation)	High; addition reactions
Examples	Methane, ethane, propane	Ethene, propene, butene	Ethyne (acetylene), propyne
Testing	Do not decolorize bromine water	Decolorize bromine water (addition)	Decolorize bromine; react with ammoniacal AgNO₃ if terminal