Based on the molecular formula, determine whether each compound is an alkane, alkene, or alkyne. (Assume that the hydrocarbons are noncyclical and there is no more than one multiple bond.) a. C3H8 b. C6H10 c. C4H8 d. C10H22

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insert step 1> Identify the general formulas for alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. Alkanes have the formula C_nH_{2n+2}, alkenes have C_nH_{2n}, and alkynes have C_nH_{2n-2}.

insert step 2> For compound a (C3H8), compare the hydrogen count to the formula C_nH_{2n+2}. Calculate n and check if the formula matches an alkane.

insert step 3> For compound b (C6H10), compare the hydrogen count to the formulas C_nH_{2n} and C_nH_{2n-2}. Calculate n for each and determine if it matches an alkene or alkyne.

insert step 4> For compound c (C4H8), compare the hydrogen count to the formulas C_nH_{2n} and C_nH_{2n-2}. Calculate n for each and determine if it matches an alkene or alkyne.

insert step 5> For compound d (C10H22), compare the hydrogen count to the formula C_nH_{2n+2}. Calculate n and check if the formula matches an alkane.

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Key Concepts

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

Hydrocarbon Classification

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen. They are classified into three main categories: alkanes (single bonds), alkenes (at least one double bond), and alkynes (at least one triple bond). The classification is determined by the types of bonds present in the molecular structure, which influences their chemical properties and reactivity.

General Formula for Hydrocarbons

Each class of hydrocarbons has a general formula that helps identify their structure. Alkanes follow the formula CnH(2n+2), alkenes follow CnH(2n), and alkynes follow CnH(2n-2). By comparing the molecular formula of a compound to these general formulas, one can determine its classification as an alkane, alkene, or alkyne.

Degree of Unsaturation

The degree of unsaturation indicates the number of rings and multiple bonds in a hydrocarbon. It can be calculated using the formula: Degree of Unsaturation = (2C + 2 + N - H - X)/2, where C is the number of carbons, N is the number of nitrogens, H is the number of hydrogens, and X is the number of halogens. A higher degree of unsaturation suggests the presence of double or triple bonds, which is essential for classifying the compound.