NASA's Curiosity rover has discovered the largest chunk of organic compounds on Mars, hinting at potential life on the Red ...

The formula of any alkane can be worked out using the general formula C n H 2n+2 where n = the number of carbon atoms.

The longest unbranched chain containing the functional group is the parent molecule, or simply the longest unbranched chain for alkanes. Remember that, the longest chain can go round a bend.