How many carbon atoms are in the longest chain

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
Question

How many carbon atoms are in the longest chain?

The diagram depicted in the image is a structural formula of a hydrocarbon molecule known as isooctane, or 2,2,4-trimethylpentane.

### Description of the Structure:

- **Carbon Atoms**: The structure is composed of a total of eight carbon (C) atoms. 
  - The main backbone consists of a chain of five carbon atoms.
  - Three additional carbon atoms are attached as branches to the main chain.
  
- **Hydrogen Atoms**: While not explicitly shown in the structural diagram, hydrogen (H) atoms are implied. Each carbon atom forms four bonds, so the remaining are with hydrogen atoms to satisfy carbon's tetravalency.

### Detailed Explanation:

- **Branches**: The molecule can be understood as a 'pentane' (five carbon atoms in a linear chain) with three methyl (CH₃) groups attached to the second and fourth carbon atoms.
  - The methyl branches make the molecule more compact and branched, which is a characteristic feature of isooctane.

### Importance:

- **Fuel Rating**: Isooctane is used as a reference standard for gasoline's octane rating. It is assigned an octane rating of 100, indicating high resistance to knocking in engines, which is why it is considered a very efficient fuel.

Understanding this molecular structure helps in grasping basic organic chemistry concepts, such as structural isomers, branching in hydrocarbons, and their implications in real-world applications like fuel efficiency.
Transcribed Image Text:The diagram depicted in the image is a structural formula of a hydrocarbon molecule known as isooctane, or 2,2,4-trimethylpentane. ### Description of the Structure: - **Carbon Atoms**: The structure is composed of a total of eight carbon (C) atoms. - The main backbone consists of a chain of five carbon atoms. - Three additional carbon atoms are attached as branches to the main chain. - **Hydrogen Atoms**: While not explicitly shown in the structural diagram, hydrogen (H) atoms are implied. Each carbon atom forms four bonds, so the remaining are with hydrogen atoms to satisfy carbon's tetravalency. ### Detailed Explanation: - **Branches**: The molecule can be understood as a 'pentane' (five carbon atoms in a linear chain) with three methyl (CH₃) groups attached to the second and fourth carbon atoms. - The methyl branches make the molecule more compact and branched, which is a characteristic feature of isooctane. ### Importance: - **Fuel Rating**: Isooctane is used as a reference standard for gasoline's octane rating. It is assigned an octane rating of 100, indicating high resistance to knocking in engines, which is why it is considered a very efficient fuel. Understanding this molecular structure helps in grasping basic organic chemistry concepts, such as structural isomers, branching in hydrocarbons, and their implications in real-world applications like fuel efficiency.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 2 steps with 1 images

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Introduction to Polymers
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY