Question

Draw the structures of octane and isooctane.

Answer 1

Octane and isooctane are hydrocarbons belonging to the alkane family. The structural formula for octane is
`\( \text{CH}_3(\text{CH}_2)_6\text{CH}_3 \)`, representing a straight-chain alkane with eight carbon atoms. Isooctane, on the other hand, has the structural formula
`\( (\text{CH}_3)_3\text{CCH}_2\text{CH}_3 \)`, denoting a branched-chain alkane with the same number of carbon atoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

Octane is a straight-chain alkane, and its structure consists of a continuous chain of eight carbon atoms. The molecular formula for octane is
`\( \text{C}_8\text{H}_(18) \)`, and each carbon atom forms four single bonds with hydrogen or other carbon atoms. In the structural formula,
`\( \text{CH}_3 \)` represents a methyl group, and
`\( \text{CH}_2 \)` represents a methylene group.

Isooctane, also known as 2,2,4-trimethylpentane, is a branched-chain alkane. The structure of isooctane includes a main chain of five carbon atoms with three methyl groups
`(\( \text{CH}_3 \))`attached to the second carbon atom. This branching gives isooctane its unique structure compared to straight-chain alkanes.

Drawing structural formulas helps visualize the arrangement of atoms in a molecule, and it's crucial in organic chemistry to understand the properties and behavior of different compounds. In both octane and isooctane, the number and arrangement of carbon and hydrogen atoms determine their physical and chemical characteristics, influencing their roles as components in fuels and other applications.