10 Questions
What are saturated hydrocarbons?
Hydrocarbons in which all carbon atoms are bonded to four other atoms with no carbon-carbon multiple bonds.
How are unsaturated hydrocarbons classified?
Based on the presence of double or triple bonds between carbon atoms as alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, or alkynes.
What is the difference between alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes?
Alkanes have only single bonds, alkenes have at least one double bond, and alkynes have at least one triple bond between carbon atoms.
Why are carbon atoms with double or triple bonds considered unsaturated?
They are unable to bond with as many hydrogen atoms as they could if they were joined only by single bonds.
What is the naming system used to identify hydrocarbon molecules?
IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry).
Why is a special naming system like IUPAC necessary for hydrocarbons?
Due to the vast number of possible hydrocarbon molecules, a standardized system is needed to ensure unique identification.
How do aliphatic hydrocarbons differ from aromatic hydrocarbons?
Aliphatic hydrocarbons are based on the number of bonds between neighboring carbon atoms, while aromatic hydrocarbons have a different bonding structure.
What does it mean when a hydrocarbon is said to be 'saturated'?
It means that all the carbon atoms are bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms possible.
How does the presence of double or triple bonds affect the reactivity of unsaturated hydrocarbons?
Unsaturated hydrocarbons with double or triple bonds tend to be more reactive than saturated hydrocarbons.
Why are alkenes and alkynes considered unsaturated hydrocarbons?
Due to the presence of double or triple bonds which reduce the hydrogen-to-carbon ratio.
Study Notes
Aliphatic Hydrocarbons
- Aliphatic hydrocarbons are based on chains of carbon atoms
- There are three types: alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes
- Alkanes have only single covalent bonds
- Alkenes contain at least one C–C double bond
- Alkynes contain a C–C triple bond
- General formula: • Alkanes: CnH2n+2 • Alkenes: CnH2n • Alkynes: CnH2n-2
Alicyclic Hydrocarbons
- Alicyclic hydrocarbons contain one or more closed rings of carbon atoms
- Excludes carbocyclic compounds with aromatic rings
- Found in natural products such as steroids and terpenes
- General formula: • Cycloalkanes: CnH2n • Cycloalkenes: CnH2n-2 • Cycloalkynes: CnH2n-4
Aromatic Hydrocarbons
- Contain a benzene ring, C6H6
- Benzene ring has a flat ring of six carbon atoms joined by bonds intermediate in character between single and double bonds
- Most aromatic hydrocarbons contain a benzene ring
Saturated Hydrocarbons
- Saturated hydrocarbons have all carbon-carbon bonds as single bonds
- Example: alkanes, such as methane, ethane, propane, and butane
Molecular and Empirical Formulas
- Molecular formula shows elements present and number of atoms of the elements in the compound
- Empirical formula shows the simplest proportion of the atoms in the compound
- Example: methane, ethane, propane, and butane
Hydrocarbons
- Compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen
- Classes of hydrocarbons include aliphatic, alicyclic, and aromatic
Test your knowledge on different types of aliphatic hydrocarbons including alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes. Learn about their structures and general formulas based on the number of carbon atoms.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
