1. Why are ionic bonds not suitable for the construction of complex molecules? Why are covalent bonds better for this purpose?

2. What are alkanes? What is the fundamental geometry around carbon atoms in alkane molecules?

3. What is meant by "normal" alkanes? What other kinds are there?

4. How are derivatives of normal alkanes named? How is the framework for naming a branched-chain alkane selected? How is the

branching specified in the name?

5. Show with diagrams that there are only nine structural isomers of heptane.

6. What is the most common use for alkanes? What makes alkanes relatively unreactive? In the use that you just described, how is this unreactivity overcome?

7. What determines whether an alkane will be a gas, liquid, or solid at room temperature? Where are the boundary lines between these states, in terms of the number of carbon atoms?