Chapter 1.13, Problem 2QQ

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The cycloalkanes that do not contain six carbon atoms has to be identified from the given set of options.

Concept Introduction:

Any organic molecule can be named by using certain rules given by IUPAC (International Union for Pure and applied chemistry).  IUPAC name consists of three parts in major namely Prefix suffix and root word.

Prefix represents the substituent present in the molecule and its position in the root name.

Suffix denotes the presence of functional group if any in the molecule.  It can be an alkene, alkyne, alcohol, carboxylic acid, alcohol etc.

Root word represents the longest continuous carbon skeleton of the organic molecule.

The IUPAC name for cycloalkane can be obtained simply by adding prefix cyclo- before the alkane name which corresponds to the total number of carbon atoms that are present in the ring.  To name a cycloalkane, the first step is to find the longest carbon chain that makes a cyclic ring without any unsaturation.  The next step is to identify the substituents that are present in the cyclic ring structure.  The numbering has to be given in a way that the substituents get the least numbering.

Cycloalkanes are a class of saturated hydrocarbons that contain a ring of carbon atoms with or without alkyl substituents on it.  The general molecular formula for cycloalkanes is ${\text{C}}_{\text{n}}{\text{H}}_{\text{2n}}$.  “n” is the number of carbon atoms present.  Some of the basic examples of cycloalkanes are cyclopropane (${\text{C}}_{\text{3}}{\text{H}}_{\text{6}}$), cyclobutane (${\text{C}}_{\text{4}}{\text{H}}_8$).