Chapter 4, Problem 4.6P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Following cycloalkanes are to be ranked in the order from the lowest heat of combustion to the highest.

Concept introduction:

The differences in the heat of combustion depend on the differences in ring strain. The cyclohexane ring has no ring strain. Cyclopentane and cycloheptane both have small amounts of ring strain. The cyclobutane ring has more ring strain while the cyclopropane ring has the most ring strain.