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How many carbon atoms are in the longest chain

How many carbon atoms are in the longest chain

Chemistry
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...
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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.
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