Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can be classified into two main categories: aliphatic and aromatic. Aliphatic hydrocarbons include alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, which differ in their bonding and structure. Understanding the basic structure of hydrocarbons is essential for identifying their types and properties.
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Alkenes
Alkenes are a family of hydrocarbons characterized by at least one carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). This double bond gives alkenes unique chemical properties, such as increased reactivity compared to alkanes, which only have single bonds. The general formula for alkenes is CnH2n, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms. Recognizing the presence of a double bond is crucial for classifying hydrocarbons.
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Structural Formula
The structural formula of a compound provides a visual representation of the arrangement of atoms within the molecule. It indicates how the atoms are connected and can reveal functional groups, such as double bonds in alkenes. For the given hydrocarbon CH3CH2CH=CH2, the structural formula shows a chain of carbon atoms with a double bond between the last two, confirming its classification as an alkene.
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