Use Tables 4.1 and 4.2 to help you answer these practice problems.


Name the straight-chain alkanes or cycloalkanes whose structure or formula is shown:


(b) C₆H₁₂

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the general formula for cycloalkanes, which is C_nH_{2n}.
2. Compare the given molecular formula C₆H₁₂ with the general formula for cycloalkanes.
3. Since C₆H₁₂ fits the formula C_nH_{2n}, determine that it is a cycloalkane.
4. Recognize that a cycloalkane with six carbon atoms is called cyclohexane.
5. Conclude that the name of the compound with the formula C₆H₁₂ is cyclohexane.

Key Concepts

Alkanes

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons consisting only of carbon and hydrogen atoms, connected by single bonds. They follow the general formula CnH2n+2, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms. For example, with six carbon atoms (n=6), the corresponding alkane is hexane (C6H14). Understanding alkanes is crucial for identifying their structures and naming conventions.

Cycloalkanes

Cycloalkanes are a type of alkane where the carbon atoms are arranged in a ring structure. They have the general formula CnH2n, which differs from straight-chain alkanes due to the absence of two hydrogen atoms for each ring formed. For C6H12, the compound could be cyclohexane, highlighting the importance of recognizing structural variations in hydrocarbons.

Structural Isomers

Structural isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms. For C6H12, there are multiple structural isomers, including hexane and cyclohexane, as well as various branched forms. Understanding structural isomerism is essential for accurately naming and distinguishing between different hydrocarbons with the same formula.