In the context of organic chemistry, what did scientists conclude about the structure of alkanes?

• A. Alkanes contain a benzene ring as part of their structure.
• B. Alkanes have a linear structure with alternating single and double bonds.
• C. Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with only $\mathrm{single} \mathrm{bonds}$ between $\mathrm{carbon} \mathrm{atoms}$.
• D. Alkanes are unsaturated hydrocarbons with $\mathrm{triple} \mathrm{bonds}$.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the definition of alkanes: Alkanes are a class of hydrocarbons that are fully saturated, meaning they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms.
2. Recognize the structure of alkanes: Alkanes have a general formula of C_nH_2n+2, indicating that they are saturated hydrocarbons with the maximum number of hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon chain.
3. Differentiate alkanes from other hydrocarbons: Unlike alkenes and alkynes, which contain double and triple bonds respectively, alkanes only have single bonds, making them saturated.
4. Clarify the misconception about benzene rings: Benzene rings are characteristic of aromatic compounds, not alkanes. Alkanes do not contain benzene rings as part of their structure.
5. Summarize the conclusion: Scientists concluded that alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons with only single bonds between carbon atoms, distinguishing them from unsaturated hydrocarbons like alkenes and alkynes.