Chapter 21, Problem 16E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The molecular formula of propane, cyclobutane, and methane is to be determined.

Concept introduction:

The molecular formula of a compound represents the number and type of atoms present in that compound.

The generic formula for alkanes is as follows:

$\text{Generic}\text{formula}={\text{C}}_n{\text{H}}_{2n+2}$ … (1)

Here, $n$ is the number of carbon atoms.

The generic formula for aliphatic cyclic compounds or cycloalkanes is as follows:

$\text{Generic}\text{formula}={\text{C}}_n{\text{H}}_{2n}$ … (2)

Here, $n$ is the number of carbon atoms.

In the case of un-substituted hydrocarbons, the prefix determined the number of carbon atoms while the suffix represents the type of hydrocarbon. The suffix for an alkane is ‘ane’, the suffix for alkene is ‘ene’, and the suffix for alkyne is ‘yne’. In case of cyclic hydrocarbons, ‘cyclo’ is added before the name of the parent chain.