Defining Features of Alkanes

Steps:

• Define alkanes as hydrocarbons with the general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂.
• Verify statement 1: Alkanes consist solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms.
• Verify statement 2: Their structure includes only C-C and C-H single covalent bonds.
• Verify statement 3: As hydrocarbons without multiple bonds, they are saturated.

Why A is correct:

• Alkanes are defined as saturated hydrocarbons (no double/triple bonds) made of carbon and hydrogen linked by single covalent bonds, matching all three statements.

Why the others are wrong:

• B: Omits statement 3, but alkanes are saturated by definition.
• C: Omits statement 1, but alkanes contain only C and H.
• D: Omits statements 1 and 2, both core to alkane composition and bonding.

Final answer: A