Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Conformers
Conformers, or conformational isomers, are different spatial arrangements of a molecule that can be interconverted by rotation around single bonds. In the case of hexane, which has multiple carbon-carbon single bonds, various conformers can be visualized by rotating these bonds, leading to distinct shapes that affect the molecule's properties and interactions.
Recommended video:
Periodic Table: Phases (Simplified) Concept 1
Condensed Structural Formulas
Condensed structural formulas provide a simplified representation of a molecule's structure, showing how atoms are connected without depicting all the bonds explicitly. For hexane, a condensed formula like CH3(CH2)4CH3 indicates the arrangement of carbon and hydrogen atoms, allowing for easier visualization of different conformers while maintaining clarity about the molecular structure.
Recommended video:
Condensed Formula Concept 1
Hexane
Hexane is a straight-chain alkane with the chemical formula C6H14, consisting of six carbon atoms connected by single bonds. Its structure allows for various conformations due to the flexibility of the carbon-carbon bonds, making it a common example in organic chemistry for studying conformational analysis and molecular geometry.
Recommended video:
Naming Cyclic Alkanes Example 1