Question

Which of the following hydrocarbons has a double bond in its carbon skeleton?1) C3H82) C2H63) CH44) C2H45) C2H2

Answer 1

• C₂H₄ (option number 4)

Step-by-step explanation:

A hydrocarbon with a double bond in its carbon skeleton is an alkene and has the general form:

• 
  `C_nH_(2n)`.

This is, the number of hydrogen atoms is twice the number of carbon atoms.

On the other hand, alkanes have only single bonds, and the compounds with a triple bond in its carbon skeleton are alkynes.

Review each choice:

1) C₃H₈:

• In this case, the number of hydrogen atoms is 2×3 + 2 = 6 + 2 = 8, which is corresponds to an alkane, not an alkene.

2) C₂H₆

• For this, the number of hydrogen atoms is 2 × 2 + 2 = 4 + 2 = 6. Again an alkane, not alkene.

3) CH₄

• Hydrogen atoms: 1 × 2 + 2 = 4 ⇒ an alkane

4) C₂H₄

• Hydrogen atoms: 2 × 2 = 4. This is precisely the relation for an alkene, so this is the hydrocarbon that has a double bond in its carbon skeleton.

• The chemical formula may be writen as CH₂ = CH₂, to show the double bond.

So, this is the correct answer.

5) C₂H₂

• Hydrogen atoms: 2 × 2 - 2 = 4 - 2 = 2. This relation of carbon and hydrogen atoms corresponds to a compound with triple bond, i.e an alkyne: CH≡CH.