Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes

IUPAC Naming

Organic Chemistry

4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes

IUPAC Naming

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4:17 minutes

Problem 15b

Textbook Question

Make a model of propane (C₃H₈), and draw this model using dashed lines and wedges to represent bonds going back and coming forward.

Verified step by step guidance

Start by identifying the central carbon atom in propane (C3H8). Propane consists of three carbon atoms in a chain. The central carbon atom will be bonded to the other two carbon atoms.

Draw the central carbon atom and connect it to the two terminal carbon atoms using solid lines to represent the sigma bonds between them. This forms the backbone of the propane molecule.

Add hydrogen atoms to each carbon atom. Each terminal carbon atom (the first and third carbon) will have three hydrogen atoms attached, while the central carbon atom will have two hydrogen atoms attached. This ensures that each carbon atom forms four bonds, satisfying the tetravalency of carbon.

Use dashed lines to represent bonds that are going behind the plane of the paper and wedges to represent bonds that are coming out of the plane. For example, on the central carbon, you can use a wedge to show one hydrogen coming out towards you and a dashed line for one going back.

Ensure that the spatial arrangement of the atoms reflects the tetrahedral geometry around each carbon atom, which is typical for alkanes like propane. This involves arranging the hydrogen atoms around each carbon atom in a way that maximizes the distance between them, minimizing electron pair repulsion.

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Key Concepts

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

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. For propane (C3H8), understanding its geometry is crucial as it determines how atoms are spatially oriented, affecting how bonds are represented using dashed lines and wedges to indicate depth and perspective.

Bond Representation

In organic chemistry, bonds are often represented using dashed lines and wedges to convey their spatial orientation. Dashed lines indicate bonds receding into the plane, while wedges show bonds projecting out of the plane. This representation helps visualize the 3D structure of molecules like propane.

Alkane Structure

Propane is an alkane, a type of hydrocarbon characterized by single bonds between carbon atoms. Understanding the basic structure of alkanes, which involves a chain of carbon atoms surrounded by hydrogen atoms, is essential for constructing and visualizing the molecular model of propane.

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Related Practice

Textbook Question

a. There are 18 isomeric alkanes of molecular formula C₈H₁₈. Draw and name any eight of them.

Textbook Question

For each molecular formula, draw all the isomeric alkynes, and give their IUPAC names. Circle the acetylenic hydrogen of each terminal alkyne.

(b) C₆H₁₀ (seven isomers)

Textbook Question

Using the general molecular formula for alkanes:

a. Predict the molecular formula of the C₂₈ straight-chain alkane.

Textbook Question

Draw a condensed and a skeletal structure for each of the following:

b. 2,2,5-trimethylhexane

Textbook Question

Correct the following incorrect names using standard IUPAC nomenclature. [Draw a compound that corresponds to the incorrect name, and then rename it.]

(a) 4-methylhexane

Multiple Choice

Why is it important to use the IUPAC naming system in organic chemistry?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following IUPAC names is written correctly?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the correct IUPAC name for the compound with the molecular formula C4H10?

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