Question

Based on the molecular formula, determine whether each of the following is an alkane, an alkene, or an alkyne. (Assume that all the compounds are noncyclic and do not contain more than one multiple bond.)

Drag the appropriate compounds to their respective bins.
a. C8H16
​b. C4H6
​c. C7H16
​d. C2H2

Answer 1

a. Alkene

b. Alkyne

c. Alkane

d. Alkyne

Step-by-step explanation:

Hydrocarbons can be:

• Alkanes: all single bonds. Have the general formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂.

• Alkenes: have a double bond. Have the general formula CₙH₂ₙ.

• Alkynes: have a triple bond. Have the formula CₙH₂ₙ₋₂.

a. C₈H₁₆

Alkene. n = 8 and 2n = 2.8 = 16,

​b. C₄H₆

Alkyne. n = 4 and 2n-2 = 2.4-2 = 6.

​c. C₇H₁₆

Alkane. n = 7 and 2n+2 = 2.7+2 = 16.

​d. C₂H₂

Alkyne. n = 2 and 2n-2 = 2.2-2 = 2.