Organic chemistry is currently defined as a. the study of compounds made only by living cells. b. the study of carbon compounds. c. the study of natural (as opposed to synthetic) compounds. d. the study of hydrocarbons.
Ch. 4 - Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life
Chapter 4, Problem 4
VISUAL SKILLS Visualize the structural formula of each of the following hydrocarbons. Which hydrocarbon has a double bond in its carbon skeleton? a. C3H8 b. C2H6 c. C2H4 d. C2H2

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Step 1: Understand the problem. The problem is asking us to visualize the structural formula of each of the given hydrocarbons and identify which one has a double bond in its carbon skeleton. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds that consist only of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms.
Step 2: Draw the structural formula for each hydrocarbon. The number of carbon atoms is given by the subscript after the 'C' in the formula, and the number of hydrogen atoms is given by the subscript after the 'H'. For example, C3H8 means there are 3 carbon atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms. The carbon atoms form the backbone of the molecule, and the hydrogen atoms are attached to the carbon atoms.
Step 3: Determine the type of bonds in each hydrocarbon. In organic chemistry, there are three types of carbon-carbon bonds: single, double, and triple. A single bond is when one pair of electrons is shared between two atoms. A double bond is when two pairs of electrons are shared, and a triple bond is when three pairs of electrons are shared.
Step 4: Identify the hydrocarbon with a double bond. A hydrocarbon with a double bond will have fewer hydrogen atoms than a similar hydrocarbon with only single bonds. This is because each carbon atom can form a maximum of four bonds. If a carbon atom is involved in a double bond, it can only form two additional bonds with hydrogen atoms.
Step 5: From the given hydrocarbons, C2H4 is the one with a double bond. It has two carbon atoms and four hydrogen atoms. The two carbon atoms form a double bond with each other, and each carbon atom forms two single bonds with hydrogen atoms.

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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can be classified into aliphatic (straight or branched chains) and aromatic (ring structures) hydrocarbons. Understanding the structure and types of hydrocarbons is essential for identifying their properties and reactivity.
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Double Bonds
A double bond in organic chemistry refers to a covalent bond where two pairs of electrons are shared between two atoms, typically carbon. This type of bond affects the geometry and reactivity of the molecule, making it more reactive than single-bonded hydrocarbons. Recognizing the presence of double bonds is crucial for determining the type of hydrocarbon.
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Structural Formulas
Structural formulas represent the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, showing how the atoms are bonded to each other. They provide insight into the molecular structure, including the presence of single or double bonds. Visualizing structural formulas is key to understanding the characteristics and classification of hydrocarbons.
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