Question

Classify and justify the classification of a chemical as an alkane

Answer 1

An alkane is a type of hydrocarbon that consists of only carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded together through single covalent bonds. The general formula for an alkane is CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

A chemical can be classified as an alkane if it meets these criteria. For example, methane (CH4) is an alkane because it consists of a single carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms through single covalent bonds, and it follows the general formula CnH2n+2 with n=1.

Another example of an alkane is ethane (C2H6), which consists of two carbon atoms bonded to each other and six hydrogen atoms through single covalent bonds. It also follows the general formula CnH2n+2 with n=2.

To justify the classification of a chemical as an alkane, we need to examine its molecular structure and determine if it consists of only carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded together through single covalent bonds, and if it follows the general formula CnH2n+2. If it meets these criteria, then it can be classified as an alkane.

Answer 2

The classification of a chemical as an alkane is based on its molecular formula and structure, which should only contain carbon and hydrogen atoms and have a continuous, unbranched chain of carbon atoms bonded together by single covalent bonds.

Step-by-step explanation:

An alkane is a type of hydrocarbon compound that only consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms that are bonded together exclusively by single covalent bonds. These bonds allow for saturated carbon chains that form the backbone of the alkane molecule.

Chemicals can be classified as alkanes if they satisfy the above conditions. For example, methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), propane (C3H8), butane (C4H10), and pentane (C5H12) are all examples of alkanes.

The justification for classifying a chemical as an alkane depends on its molecular formula and its structure. If a chemical only contains carbon and hydrogen atoms and all of the bonds between these atoms are single covalent bonds, then it can be classified as an alkane. Additionally, the chemical's structure must have a continuous, unbranched chain of carbon atoms.

For instance, octane (C8H18) can be classified as an alkane because it only consists of carbon and hydrogen atoms bonded together by single covalent bonds, and its structure is an unbranched chain of eight carbon atoms.