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. C₃H₆ c. C₇H₁₂ d. C₁₁H₂₂

Verified step by step guidance

1. insert step 1> Determine the general formula for each type of hydrocarbon: alkanes (C_nH_{2n+2}), alkenes (C_nH_{2n}), and alkynes (C_nH_{2n-2}).
2. insert step 2> For compound a (C5H12), compare the molecular formula to the general formulas. Check if it fits C_nH_{2n+2} for alkanes.
3. insert step 3> For compound b (C3H6), compare the molecular formula to the general formulas. Check if it fits C_nH_{2n} for alkenes.
4. insert step 4> For compound c (C7H12), compare the molecular formula to the general formulas. Check if it fits C_nH_{2n} for alkenes.
5. insert step 5> For compound d (C11H22), compare the molecular formula to the general formulas. Check if it fits C_nH_{2n} for alkenes.

Key Concepts

Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can be classified into three main categories: alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes, based on the types of bonds between carbon atoms. Alkanes contain only single bonds, alkenes have at least one double bond, and alkynes contain at least one triple bond.

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 molecule. 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 degree of unsaturation greater than zero suggests the presence of double or triple bonds.