Write the formula based on the name, or the name based on the formula, for each hydrocarbon: a. CH3CH3 b. pentane c. CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3 d. heptane.

Name: Chemistry: A Molecular Approach
Author: Tro
ISBN: 9780137832217

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the type of hydrocarbon: alkanes, alkenes, or alkynes. In this case, all are alkanes, which are saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds.

For part a, recognize that CH3CH3 is the molecular formula for ethane, which is the simplest alkane with two carbon atoms.

For part b, the name 'pentane' indicates an alkane with five carbon atoms. The molecular formula is C5H12.

For part c, count the number of carbon atoms in CH3CH2CH2CH2CH2CH3, which is six. This corresponds to hexane.

For part d, the name 'heptane' indicates an alkane with seven carbon atoms. The molecular formula is C7H16.

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can be classified into aliphatic (straight or branched chains) and aromatic (ring structures) hydrocarbons. Understanding the structure of hydrocarbons is essential for deriving their names and formulas, as the arrangement of carbon atoms determines the type of hydrocarbon and its properties.

IUPAC Nomenclature

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature provides a systematic method for naming chemical compounds. For hydrocarbons, the name reflects the number of carbon atoms and the type of bonds present (single, double, or triple). Familiarity with IUPAC rules allows one to convert between the structural formula and the corresponding name of a hydrocarbon.

Structural Formulas

A structural formula represents the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, showing how the atoms are bonded together. In hydrocarbons, structural formulas can be written in various forms, such as condensed or expanded, to illustrate the connectivity of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Recognizing structural formulas is crucial for identifying the correct name or formula of a hydrocarbon.