The formula C 6H 14 represents the hydrocarbon ________.
Hexane
Understanding Hydrocarbon Formulas: C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>
The question asks us to identify the type of hydrocarbon represented by the chemical formula C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>. Hydrocarbons are organic compounds made up exclusively of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They are classified based on the types of bonds between carbon atoms.
There are main types of aliphatic hydrocarbons:
- Alkanes: These are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning they contain only single bonds between carbon atoms. Their general formula is C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n+2</sub>, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms.
- Alkenes: These are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon-carbon double bond. Their general formula is C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n</sub>, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms (n ≥ 2).
- Alkynes: These are unsaturated hydrocarbons containing at least one carbon-carbon triple bond. Their general formula is C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n-2</sub>, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms (n ≥ 2).
Analyzing the Given Formula C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>
In the given formula C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>, the number of carbon atoms, n, is 6. Let's compare this formula with the general formulas for alkanes, alkenes, and alkynes:
- For Alkanes: C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n+2</sub>. If n=6, the formula would be C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>2(6)+2</sub> = C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12+2</sub> = C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>. This matches the given formula.
- For Alkenes: C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n</sub>. If n=6, the formula would be C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>2(6)</sub> = C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12</sub>. This does not match C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>.
- For Alkynes: C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n-2</sub>. If n=6, the formula would be C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>2(6)-2</sub> = C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12-2</sub> = C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>10</sub>. This does not match C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>.
Comparing with the Options
The prefix for a hydrocarbon with 6 carbon atoms is "Hex-". The suffix indicates the type of hydrocarbon:
- Hexene: An alkene with 6 carbon atoms. Formula: C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12</sub>.
- Hexane: An alkane with 6 carbon atoms. Formula: C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>.
- Hexyne: An alkyne with 6 carbon atoms. Formula: C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>10</sub>.
- Heptyne: An alkyne with 7 carbon atoms. Formula: C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>2(7)-2</sub> = C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>12</sub>.
Based on the analysis, the formula C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub> corresponds to Hexane, which is an alkane with 6 carbon atoms.
Summary of Formula Analysis
| Hydrocarbon Type | General Formula | Formula with n=6 | Matches C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alkane | C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n+2</sub> | C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub> | Yes |
| Alkene | C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n</sub> | C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12</sub> | No |
| Alkyne | C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n-2</sub> | C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>10</sub> | No |
Therefore, the hydrocarbon with the formula C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub> is Hexane.
Revision Table: Hydrocarbon Formulas
| Number of Carbons (n) | Prefix | Alkane (C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n+2</sub>) | Alkene (C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n</sub>) | Alkyne (C<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n-2</sub>) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meth- | Methane (CH<sub>4</sub>) | - | - |
| 2 | Eth- | Ethane (C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub>) | Ethene (C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>4</sub>) | Ethyne (C<sub>2</sub>H<sub>2</sub>) |
| 3 | Prop- | Propane (C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>8</sub>) | Propene (C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>6</sub>) | Propyne (C<sub>3</sub>H<sub>4</sub>) |
| 4 | But- | Butane (C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>10</sub>) | Butene (C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>8</sub>) | Butyne (C<sub>4</sub>H<sub>6</sub>) |
| 5 | Pent- | Pentane (C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>12</sub>) | Pentene (C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>10</sub>) | Pentyne (C<sub>5</sub>H<sub>8</sub>) |
| 6 | Hex- | Hexane (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>) | Hexene (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>12</sub>) | Hexyne (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>10</sub>) |
| 7 | Hept- | Heptane (C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>16</sub>) | Heptene (C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>14</sub>) | Heptyne (C<sub>7</sub>H<sub>12</sub>) |
Additional Information: Isomers of Hexane
Hexane (C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>) is an alkane, and alkanes can exist as structural isomers if they have four or more carbon atoms. Structural isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas. For C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub>, there are five structural isomers:
- n-Hexane (straight chain)
- 2-Methylpentane
- 3-Methylpentane
- 2,2-Dimethylbutane
- 2,3-Dimethylbutane
All these compounds have the molecular formula C<sub>6</sub>H<sub>14</sub> and are therefore isomers of hexane. Understanding isomerism is important in organic chemistry as isomers can have different physical and chemical properties.
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