Based on the molecular formula, determine if each compound is an alkane, alkene, or alkyne. (Assume that all the compounds are noncyclic and do not contain more than one multiple bond.)
(a) C4H6
(b) C6H14
(c) C8H14
(d) C11H22
Solution 35P:
Here, we are going to determine whether the given compounds are alkane, alkene or alkyne.
Step1:
Alkanes are saturated open chain hydrocarbons containing carbon - carbon single bonds. The general formula for alkanes is CnH2n+2.
Alkenes are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one double bond. The general formula for alkenes is CnH2n.
Alkynes are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one triple bond between two carbon atoms. Their general formula is CnH2n–2.
Step2:
- C4H6
Here, n = 4,
2n - 2 = 2.4 - 2 = 6
Since, the molecular formula of the compound is similar to that of alkyne, therefore, it is an alkyne.
b) C6H14
Here, n = 6,
2n + 2 = 2.6 + 2 = 14
Since, the molecular formula of the compound is similar to that of alkane, therefore, it is an alkane.
c) C8H14
Here, n = 8,
2n - 2 = 2.8 - 2 = 14
Since, the molecular formula of the compound is similar to that of alkyne, therefore, it is an alkyne.
d) C11H22
Here, n = 11,
2n = 2.11 = 22
Since, the molecular formula of the compound is similar to that of alkene, therefore, it is an alkene.
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