Chapter 17: Problem 33

Why is it more correct to draw a linear hydrocarbon that contains only \(\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{C}\) single bonds as a zigzag rather than a straight line?

Short Answer

Expert verified

The zigzag representation of linear hydrocarbons containing only C-C single bonds is more accurate due to the tetrahedral geometry around each carbon atom caused by the sp^3 hybrid orbitals. This geometry results in a bond angle of approximately 109.5°. A straight-line representation would not accurately depict these bond angles and the spatial arrangement of atoms in the molecule.

Step by step solution

Understand Carbon-Carbon Single Bonds in Hydrocarbons

Carbon forms four covalent bonds in a tetrahedral geometry to achieve a stable electron configuration. In hydrocarbons, carbon atoms are bonded to other carbon atoms and hydrogen atoms. A hydrocarbon with only single bonds (C-C) between the carbon atoms is called an alkane or a saturated hydrocarbon.

Consider the Bond Angles and Geometry

In alkanes, the carbon-carbon (C-C) and carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds are sigma (σ) bonds formed by the overlap of sp^3 hybrid orbitals. The bond angle between these sp^3 hybrid orbitals is approximately 109.5°. Due to this bond angle, the carbon atoms in a linear alkane are not aligned in a straight line but rather form a zigzag pattern.

Visualize the Zigzag Structure

When drawing linear alkanes, it is more accurate to represent them as a zigzag pattern because it takes into account the tetrahedral geometry around each carbon atom caused by the sp^3 hybrid orbitals. A straight-line representation would not correctly depict the bond angles between carbon atoms and thus does not accurately represent the spatial arrangement of atoms in the molecule.

Example: Ethane (C2H6)

Ethane is the simplest linear alkane with 2 carbon atoms and 6 hydrogen atoms. The structural formula for ethane can be drawn as: H H | | H - C - C - H | | H H In this zigzag representation, the geometry around each carbon atom is tetrahedral, and the bond angles are close to 109.5°.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is more accurate to draw linear hydrocarbons with C-C single bonds as a zigzag pattern rather than a straight line because it represents the 109.5° bond angle and the tetrahedral geometry of sp^3 hybrid orbitals in C-C and C-H bonds more accurately. These bonds lead to the spatial arrangement of atoms in the molecule that cannot be correctly depicted by a straight line.

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Why is it more correct to draw a linear hydrocarbon that contains only \(\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{C}\) single bonds as a zigzag rather than a straight line?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Understand Carbon-Carbon Single Bonds in Hydrocarbons

Consider the Bond Angles and Geometry

Visualize the Zigzag Structure

Example: Ethane (C2H6)

Conclusion

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