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Ch.21 - Organic Chemistry
Chapter 21, Problem 49

Can you write the structural formulas for each of the possible isomers of n-hexene that are formed by moving the position of the double bond?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the parent chain: n-hexene has a six-carbon chain with a double bond.
Determine the possible positions for the double bond: In a six-carbon chain, the double bond can be between carbons 1 and 2, 2 and 3, or 3 and 4.
Draw the structural formula for each isomer: Start with the double bond between carbons 1 and 2, then move it to between carbons 2 and 3, and finally between carbons 3 and 4.
Ensure each structure maintains the correct number of hydrogens: Each carbon should have four bonds in total, adjusting the number of hydrogens as needed.
Verify that each isomer is unique: Check that no two structures are identical, ensuring each represents a distinct isomer.

Key Concepts

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

Isomerism

Isomerism refers to the phenomenon where two or more compounds have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms. In the case of n-hexene, which has the formula C6H12, isomers can arise from variations in the position of the double bond, leading to different structural formulas. Understanding isomerism is crucial for identifying and drawing the various forms of n-hexene.
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Alkenes and Double Bonds

Alkenes are hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond, which significantly influences their chemical properties and reactivity. The position of the double bond in alkenes can affect their physical properties, such as boiling points and stability. For n-hexene, the double bond can be located between different pairs of carbon atoms, resulting in distinct structural isomers.
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Structural Formulas

Structural formulas represent the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, showing how atoms are bonded to each other. For n-hexene, drawing the structural formulas involves indicating the position of the double bond and the connectivity of carbon atoms. This visual representation is essential for understanding the differences between isomers and predicting their chemical behavior.
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