Final answer:
The compound C3H6 has one degree of unsaturation, indicating either a double bond or a ring. Two possible structures are propene (CH3CH=CH2) with a double bond and cyclopropane, a three-membered ring.
Step-by-step explanation:
To calculate the degrees of unsaturation in a compound, we can use the formula CnH2n+2 for an alkane (a saturated hydrocarbon).
A compound with the formula C3H6 is compared to propane, which would be C3H8 if it were saturated. The difference of two hydrogen atoms suggests one degree of unsaturation, which can mean either a double bond or a ring.
Two possible structures for C3H6 include:
- Propene: CH3CH=CH2, which contains a double bond, giving it one degree of unsaturation.
- Cyclopropane: a three-membered ring, which also accounts for one degree of unsaturation.
The degrees of unsaturation in a compound can be calculated using a formula:
Degrees of Unsaturation = (2n + 2) - (H / 2) - X
Where n is the number of carbon atoms, H is the number of hydrogen atoms, and X is the number of halogen or heteroatoms.
In the case of the compound C₃H₆, there are 3 carbon atoms and 6 hydrogen atoms, so the formula becomes:
Degrees of Unsaturation = (2(3) + 2) - (6 / 2) - 0 = 4.
Therefore, the compound C₃H₆ has 4 degrees of unsaturation.