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Chapter 26: Problem 50

Alkenes (olefins) and cyclic alkanes (alicyclics) each have the generic formula \(\mathrm{C}_{n} \mathrm{H}_{2 n}\). In what important ways do these types of compounds differ structurally?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Alkenes (olefins) and cyclic alkanes (alicyclics) both have the generic formula \(\mathrm{C}_{n} \mathrm{H}_{2 n}\). However, they differ in structural arrangement. Alkenes have one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, whereas cyclic alkanes have carbon atoms arranged in a ring. These structural differences give each type of compound its unique properties.

Step by step solution

01

Recognize the chemical formulas

The chemical formulas of both alkenes and cyclic alkanes are \(\mathrm{C}_{n} \mathrm{H}_{2 n}\). This implies that for every \(n\) carbon atoms, there are \(2n\) hydrogen atoms.
02

Understand the structure of alkenes

Alkenes, also known as olefins, are hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Because of this double bond, alkenes have fewer hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atoms compared to alkanes (single bonded hydrocarbons). Any carbon atom involved in a double bond contributes only one hydrogen atom, thus the general formula is \(\mathrm{C}_{n} \mathrm{H}_{2n}\).
03

Understand the structure of cyclic alkanes

Cyclic alkanes, or alicyclics, are a type of hydrocarbon where the carbon atoms form a ring (cycle). Because the ends of the carbon chain are connected, one fewer hydrogen atom is needed at each end, again leading to the generic formula \(\mathrm{C}_{n} \mathrm{H}_{2n}\).
04

Distinguish between the two types of compounds

Despite the same chemical formula, these two types of compounds differ in the way the carbon and hydrogen atoms are arranged. Alkenes have one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, whereas cyclic alkanes have their carbon atoms arranged in a ring.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Indicate why each of these names is incorrect, and give a correct name. (a) 3 -pentene; (b) pentadiene; (c) 1-propanone; (d) bromopropane; (e) 2,6 -dichlorobenzene; (f) 2 -methyl- 3 -pentyne

For each of the following pairs, indicate which substance has (a) the higher boiling point, \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{12}\) or \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{6}\) (b) the greater solubility in water, \(\bar{C}_{3} H_{7} O H\) or \(\mathrm{C}_{7} \mathrm{H}_{15} \mathrm{OH}\) (c) the greater acidity in aqueous solution, \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{CHO}\) or \(\mathrm{C}_{6} \mathrm{H}_{5} \mathrm{COOH}\).

For each of the following substituted cyclohexanes, draw the two possible chair conformations, label each substituent as axial or equatorial, and identify the more stable conformer. (a) cyclohexanol (b) trans-3-methylcyclohexanol

To prepare methyl ethyl ketone, one should oxidize (a) 2-propanol; (a) 1-butanol; (c) 2-butanol; (d) tert-butyl alcohol.

Explain the important distinctions between each pair of terms: (a) alkane and alkene; (b) aliphatic and aromatic compound; (c) alcohol and phenol; (d) ether and ester; (e) amine and ammonia.
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