Question

Assuming the carbon atoms in pentane are in a linear chain, write

a) the structural formula and
b) the molecular formula for this alkane.

Answer 1

Pentane, a linear alkane with five carbon atoms, has a molecular formula of C5H12 and a structural formula represented as CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3. It is part of the alkane series with sp³ hybridized carbons forming single bonds and zigzag molecular shape options (a,b) are correct.

Step-by-step explanation:

For pentane, an alkane with a linear chain of carbon atoms, the structural formula and the molecular formula can be written as follows:

• The molecular formula for pentane is C5H12. This follows the general alkane formula CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms.
• The structural formula for a straight-chain pentane would show the individual bonds between the atoms, which can be represented as CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3.

Pentane is a member of the alkane series, a type of hydrocarbon with only single covalent bonds between carbon atoms, and exhibits a zigzag shape due to the sp3 hybridization and the approximately 109.5° bond angles between carbon atoms.