What is the general term used for substituted alkanes?

The general term used for substituted alkanes is represented by the symbol "-R." In organic chemistry, "-R" denotes a hydrocarbon group that replaces a hydrogen atom in an alkane, forming a substituted alkane. This is significant because it indicates the presence of functional groups or additional substituents that modify the properties of the alkane.

The "-R" symbol is particularly useful in nomenclature and structural representations as it allows for a more generalized description of a compound's structure. When an alkane has one or more hydrogen atoms replaced by other groups (such as alkyl groups, functional groups, or heteroatoms), it can be expressed using the "-R" notation, facilitating easier discussions about chemical behavior and reactivity.

In contrast, the other symbols do not effectively capture the concept of substitution in alkanes. "-I" typically refers to iodine, "-C" could imply a carbon atom but does not represent a general substituent, and "-H" denotes hydrogen, which is the atom being replaced rather than the substituents themselves. Thus, "-R" accurately encapsulates the nature of substituted alkanes.