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Developing Fuels

Deducing formulae and naming a branched compound

  • 2 things to know
  • Components 01, 02 and 03

Overview

Recall questions on deducing a molecular formula from a general one, the stems for one to ten carbons, and choosing and numbering the main chain.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

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Numbers

An alkane molecule contains 20 hydrogen atoms. Deduce its molecular formula and name.

Numbers

Deduce the molecular formula of the straight-chain alcohol with four carbon atoms.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    An alkane molecule contains 20 hydrogen atoms. Deduce its molecular formula and name.

    Model answer

    Setting 2n + 2 = 20 gives n = 9, so it is C₉H₂₀, nonane.

  2. 2

    Deduce the molecular formula of the alkene with seven carbon atoms.

    Model answer

    Using CₙH₂ₙ with n = 7 gives C₇H₁₄.

  3. 3

    Deduce the molecular formula of the straight-chain alcohol with four carbon atoms.

    Model answer

    Using CₙH₂ₙ₊₁OH with n = 4 gives C₄H₉OH, which can also be written as C₄H₁₀O.

  4. 4

    List the stems used for carbon chains of one to ten carbon atoms.

    Model answer

    Meth-, eth-, prop-, but-, pent-, hex-, hept-, oct-, non- and dec-.

  5. 5

    How do you choose the main chain when naming a branched compound?

    Model answer

    Pick the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms that contains the functional group.

  6. 6

    Why is CH₃CH₂CH(CH₃)CH₃ named 2-methylbutane and not 3-methylbutane?

    Model answer

    The chain is numbered from whichever end gives the substituent the lower number.

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A3 ⁴₂He → ¹²₆C.
B¹²₆C + ⁴₂He → ¹⁶₈O.
C¹⁶₈O + ⁴₂He → ²⁰₁₀Ne.

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Nitrogen is +2 in NO and +4 in NO₂.
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