Which of the following is a straight- chain alkane containing 12 carbon atoms that are used as a major component in kerosene and some jet fuel research and also in the rubber and paper processing industry?

 Key Points

• Dodecane is a straight-chain alkane containing 12 carbon atoms.
•  It is used as a major component in kerosene and some jet fuel research.
•  Dodecane is also used in the rubber and paper processing industry.
•  The molecular formula of dodecane is C₁₂H₂₆.

Additional Information

•  Undecane is a straight-chain alkane containing 11 carbon atoms. It is used as a fuel additive and solvent.
•  Eicosane is a straight-chain alkane containing 20 carbon atoms. It is used as a lubricant, in cosmetics, and as a fuel additive.
•  Heptadecane is a straight-chain alkane containing 17 carbon atoms. It is used as a solvent, fuel, and lubricant
• Hydrocarbons:​Compounds made of carbon and hydrogen atoms only, are called hydrocarbons. The natural source of hydrocarbons is petroleum.
  1. Saturated hydrocarbons: The hydrocarbons in which carbon atoms are singly bonded are called saturated hydrocarbons
     • Saturated hydrocarbons are also called alkanes or paraffin.
     • The general formula of alkane– CnH2n+2
  2. ​Unsaturated hydrocarbons: The hydrocarbons in which carbon atoms are either doubly or triply bonded are called unsaturated hydrocarbons.
     • Doubly bonded (carbon atoms) hydrocarbons are called alkenes.
     • The general formula of alkene is C_nH_2n.