The invention relates to a link chain for scraper chain conveyors having vertical chain links (1), suspended in an articulated manner one inside the other, and horizontal chain links (2), wherein the vertical chain links (1), all the way round, have a constant cross-sectional profile (10) provided with a flattened portion on the outside and with a curved portion on the inside, and the horizontal chain links (2) have front parts (6) with a rectilinear end zone (7), and wherein the longitudinal legs (5) of the horizontal chain links (2), these legs connecting the front parts (6), are provided with a narrowing (18) on their outer surfaces. In order to improve the running behaviour of the link chain (50) in the case of low surface pressure between the chain wheel and the horizontal chain links (2), the horizontal chain links (2) have on both sides, in the narrowing (18), carry-along means (21) by means of which scrapers which can be connected to the horizontal chain links (2) are carried along in a form-fitting manner and/or the cross-sectional profile (10) of the vertical chain links is provided with bevelling in each case at the transition between the flattened portion and the curved portion. The invention also relates to a chain wheel which is suitable for this chain.