Log out Go to App
Go to App

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 19: Problem 16

How does pentane differ from cyclopentane?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Pentane and cyclopentane primarily differ in their structure. Pentane is an aliphatic, straight-chain alkane with the formula C5H12. Cyclopentane, however, is a cyclic alkane forming a ring structure with the formula C5H10. Consequently, these structural differences affect their physical and chemical properties.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding pentane

Pentane is an example of aliphatic hydrocarbon belonging to the alkane series. It has 5 carbon atoms and is represented by the chemical formula C5H12. Pentane follows the alkane general formula \(C_nH_{2n+2}\). It is straight-chain alkane (n-pentane) structure. In pentane, all the carbon atoms are in a straight chain and each carbon atom is surrounded by enough hydrogen atoms to make the total number of bonds for each carbon atom four. The compound is non-cyclic.
02

Understanding cyclopentane

Cyclopentane, on the other hand, is a cyclic hydrocarbon. It has 5 carbon atoms too, and is represented by the chemical formula C5H10. Here, the carbon atoms from a pentagonal ring, hence the prefix cyclo. Thus, cyclopentane does not follow the general alkane formula, but instead follows the general formula of cycloalkanes, \(C_nH_{2n}\). In cyclopentane, carbon atoms form a closed loop or a 'ring'. Each carbon atom here again forms four bonds.
03

Identify the key differences

Pentane and cyclopentane, though both consist of 5 carbon atoms, differ in structure and properties. The carbon atoms in pentane form a straight chain, while in cyclopentane, they form a ring structure. Additionally, there are 12 hydrogen atoms in pentane (due to the alkane general formula) compared to 10 hydrogen atoms in cyclopentane (due to the cycloalkane formula). These structural differences also impact their physical and chemical properties.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Start your free trial

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Compare substitution and addition reactions.

Draw skeletal structures for the following $$\begin{array}{l}{\text { a. } 2,3,4 \text { -trichloropentane }} \\ {\text { b. } 2,2 \text { dichloro-1, } 1 \text { -difluoropropane }}\end{array}$$

Graphing Calculator Hydrocarbon formulas The graphing calculator can run a program that can tell you the formula of any straight-chain hydrocarbon, provided you indicate the number of carbons and the number of double bonds in the compound. Go to Appendix C. If you are using a TI-83 Plus, you can download the program HYDROCAR and run the application as directed. If you are using another calculator, your teacher will provide you with key-strokes and data sets to use. At the prompts, enter the number of carbon atoms and the number of double bonds in the molecule. Run the program as needed to answer the following questions. $$\begin{array}{l}{\text { a. Dodecane is an alkane with } 12 \text { carbons and }} \\ {\text { no double bonds. What is ts formula? }} \\ {\text { b. The name } 1,5 \text { -hexadiene describes a mole- }} \\ {\text { cule with six carbons (hexa-) and two double }} \\ {\text { bonds (-diene). What is its formula? }}\end{array}$$ $$\begin{array}{l}{\text { c. What is the formula for } 1,3,5 \text { -hexatriene? }} \\ {\text { d. What is the formula for } 3 \text { -nonene? }} \\ {\text { e. What is the formula for } 1,3,5,7 \text { -octatetraene? }} \\\ {\text { f. What is the formula for } 2,4,6 \text { -octatriene? }}\end{array}$$

Dimethyl mercury is an organic compound that poses a serious environmental threat to all living things. Research how this compound affects living things. Include information on whether dimethyl mercury poses a threat to your local environment. If so, determine what is being done to eliminate this problem.

Explain why the properties of butane differ from those of butanol.
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Kinetics

Read Explanation

Ionic and Molecular Compounds

Read Explanation

Making Measurements

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemical Analysis

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.

Sign-up for free