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. C₅H₁₂ b. C₂H₂ c. C₇H₁₄ d. C₁₁H₂₂

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Determine the general formula for alkanes, which is C_nH_{2n+2}.

Determine the general formula for alkenes, which is C_nH_{2n}.

Determine the general formula for alkynes, which is C_nH_{2n-2}.

For each compound, compare its molecular formula to the general formulas to identify if it is an alkane, alkene, or alkyne.

Apply the comparison: a. C_5H_{12} matches the alkane formula, b. C_2H_2 matches the alkyne formula, c. C_7H_{14} matches the alkene formula, d. C_{11}H_{22} matches the alkene formula.

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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. They can be classified into three main categories: alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, based on the types of bonds between carbon atoms. Alkanes have only single bonds, alkenes contain at least one double bond, and alkynes have at least one triple bond. Understanding these classifications is essential for determining the structure and properties of the compounds in the question.

General Formula for Hydrocarbons

Each class of hydrocarbons has a general formula that helps identify their structure. Alkanes follow the formula CnH2n+2, alkenes follow CnH2n, and alkynes follow CnH2n-2, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms. By applying these formulas to the given molecular formulas, one can determine the type of hydrocarbon represented by each compound. This is crucial for classifying the compounds in the question.

Multiple Bonds

Multiple bonds refer to the presence of double or triple bonds between carbon atoms in hydrocarbons. The existence of these bonds significantly affects the compound's reactivity and physical properties. In the context of the question, it is specified that there is no more than one multiple bond, which simplifies the classification process. Recognizing the implications of multiple bonds is key to accurately identifying the type of each hydrocarbon.