Table of contents

1. Matter and Measurements4h 31m
2. Atoms and the Periodic Table5h 23m
3. Ionic Compounds2h 18m
4. Molecular Compounds2h 18m
5. Classification & Balancing of Chemical Reactions3h 17m
6. Chemical Reactions & Quantities2h 27m
7. Energy, Rate and Equilibrium3h 46m
8. Gases, Liquids and Solids3h 25m
9. Solutions4h 10m
10. Acids and Bases3h 29m
11. Nuclear Chemistry56m
BONUS: Lab Techniques and Procedures1h 38m
BONUS: Mathematical Operations and Functions47m
12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry1h 34m
13. Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds2h 12m
14. Compounds with Oxygen or Sulfur1h 6m
15. Aldehydes and Ketones1h 1m
16. Carboxylic Acids and Their Derivatives1h 11m
17. Amines39m
18. Amino Acids and Proteins1h 51m
19. Enzymes1h 37m
20. Carbohydrates1h 41m
21. The Generation of Biochemical Energy2h 8m
22. Carbohydrate Metabolism2h 22m
23. Lipids2h 26m
24. Lipid Metabolism1h 45m
25. Protein and Amino Acid Metabolism1h 37m
26. Nucleic Acids and Protein Synthesis2h 54m

12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Naming Alkanes

GOB Chemistry

12. Introduction to Organic Chemistry

Naming Alkanes

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1:46 minutes

Problem 47a

Textbook Question

Give the skeletal structure and name of the straight-chain alkanes whose molecular formula is shown.
(a) C₃H₈

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the problem. The molecular formula C₃H₈ represents a straight-chain alkane. Alkanes are hydrocarbons that consist only of single bonds between carbon atoms and follow the general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂.

Step 2: Determine the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. The subscript '3' in C₃H₈ indicates there are three carbon atoms in the molecule.

Step 3: Arrange the carbon atoms in a straight chain. In a straight-chain alkane, the carbon atoms are connected in a linear sequence without branching.

Step 4: Add hydrogen atoms to satisfy the valency of carbon. Each carbon atom forms four bonds, so add enough hydrogen atoms to ensure each carbon has four bonds in total.

Step 5: Name the alkane. The prefix 'prop-' is used for three carbon atoms, and the suffix '-ane' indicates it is an alkane. Therefore, the name of the compound is propane.

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Key Concepts

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

Alkanes

Alkanes are a class of hydrocarbons characterized by single bonds between carbon atoms. They follow the general formula CnH2n+2, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms. Alkanes are saturated compounds, meaning they contain the maximum number of hydrogen atoms per carbon atom, making them relatively stable and less reactive compared to unsaturated hydrocarbons.

Skeletal Structure

The skeletal structure of a molecule is a simplified representation that shows the arrangement of carbon atoms and the bonds between them, omitting hydrogen atoms for clarity. In skeletal structures, each vertex represents a carbon atom, and lines represent bonds. This format helps in visualizing the molecular framework and is commonly used in organic chemistry to depict complex molecules succinctly.

Molecular Formula

A molecular formula indicates the number and type of atoms in a molecule, providing essential information about its composition. For example, C₃H₈ indicates a molecule with three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms, which corresponds to propane, a straight-chain alkane. Understanding molecular formulas is crucial for identifying the structure and properties of organic compounds.