Saturated hydronitrogens can be:
* linear (general formula ) wherein the nitrogen atoms are joined in a snakelike structure
* branched (general formula , n > 3) wherein the nitrogen backbone splits off in one or more directions
* cyclic (general formula , n > 2) wherein the nitrogen backbone is linked so as to form a loop.
According to IUPAC definitions, the former two are azanes, whereas the third group is called cycloazanes. Saturated hydronitrogens can also combine any of the linear, cyclic (e.g. polycyclic), and branching structures, and they are still azanes (no general formula) as long as they are acyclic (i.e., having no loops). They also have single covalent bonds between their nitrogens.