Naming Alkanes and Isomers

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A series of free IGCSE Chemistry Activities and Experiments (Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry).

Naming Alkanes
Alkanes are hydrocarbons with single bonds between the carbon atoms.
The general formula is C_nH_{(2n + 2)} Alkanes and their Isomers
Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural formula.
Example:
Isomers of Pentane: C₅H₁₂
n-pentane, methylbutane, dimethylpropane

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Isomers of Hexane
n-hexane, 2-methypentane, 3-methypentane, 2,2-dimethybutane, 2,3-dimethybutane

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Questions
1. What is the key difference between the molecular and structural formula of a hydrocarbon?
2. Name and draw the isomers of C₄H₁₀.
3. Name and draw the isomers of C₅H₁₂.

Answers

• Show Solutions for Questions 1 and 2
  1. The molecular formula shows how many of each type of atom are present in a molecule. The structural formula shows the connectivity of the atoms in the molecule - the bonds and the order in which the atoms are connected.
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• Show Solutions for Question 3
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