Question

Five alkenes have the formula \(\mathrm{C}_{7} \mathrm{H}_{14}\) and a sevencarbon chain. Draw their structures and name them.

Short answer

1-heptene, 2-heptene, 3-heptene, 3-methyl-1-hexene, and 2-methyl-1-hexene.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Problem

We need to find all possible alkenes with the formula \(\mathrm{C}_7\mathrm{H}_{14}\) that have a seven-carbon continuous chain. Alkenes are hydrocarbons with at least one double bond, which follows the general formula \(\mathrm{C}_n\mathrm{H}_{2n}\). Thus, one double bond will be present in each structure.

Determine Possible Positions for the Double Bond

Given the seven-carbon chain, the double bond can be placed between different pairs of carbon atoms. In each structure, moving the double bond can result in different alkenes due to structural changes.

Draw the Structures

For a seven-carbon chain, possible structures include: 1. 1-heptene: Double bond between C1 and C2. 2. 2-heptene: Double bond between C2 and C3. 3. 3-heptene: Double bond between C3 and C4. 4. 4-heptene is not a distinct compound due to symmetry. Therefore, 2-heptene and 3-heptene encompass its structure. 5. Methyl-substituted alkenes: 3-methyl-1-hexene and 2-methyl-1-hexene are possible varieties with a methyl group on alternative positions.

Verify the Structures

Ensure that each structure respects the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_7\mathrm{H}_{14}\), confirming that each time we draw, both the number of carbons and hydrogens comply with this formula. Additionally, ensure that each structure represents a valid alkene with exactly one double bond.

Key concepts

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the fascinating branch of science that studies compounds primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms. These compounds are known as hydrocarbons. Organic chemistry explores the structures, properties, and reactions of these molecules. It is crucial because it provides insight into thousands of natural and synthetic substances around us, from the fuels powering our cars to the medicines healing our bodies.
Alkenes, a subset of hydrocarbons, are critical to understanding organic chemistry. They contain at least one carbon-to-carbon double bond, which significantly influences their chemical behavior. The double bond is a source of potential energy and reactivity, making alkenes more reactive than their alkane counterparts, which only have single bonds.
Understanding alkenes and other organic compounds can shed light on many biological processes and industrial applications, highlighting why organic chemistry is a key area of study in the sciences.

Molecular Structure

The molecular structure of compounds in organic chemistry can greatly affect their physical and chemical properties. This structure depicts how atoms are arranged in molecules, influencing interactions and stability.
For compounds like alkenes with the formula \( \mathrm{C}_7 \mathrm{H}_{14} \), their molecular structure revolves around a seven-carbon chain with a double bond. The positioning of this double bond in the chain distinguishes different alkenes.

• 1-Heptene has the double bond between the first and second carbon.
• 2-Heptene sees the bond between the second and third carbon.
• 3-Heptene positions the bond between the third and fourth carbon.

Notice that placing the double bond in different locations affects the shape and possibly the reactivity of the compound. Moreover, alkenes can also have substitutions, like a methyl group, which further alters their structure and nomenclature. Mastery of molecular structure helps predict how a compound will react in various environments and is an essential skill for chemists.

Hydrocarbon

Hydrocarbons are compounds formed solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. This simple structure belies the complexity of the chemical behavior of these compounds. They can be classified into several categories, including alkenes, alkanes, and alkynes, each defined by the type of bonds between carbon atoms.
Alkenes, such as those being reviewed with the formula \( \mathrm{C}_7\mathrm{H}_{14} \), illustrate unsaturated hydrocarbons because they contain at least one double bond. The general formula for alkenes is \( \mathrm{C}_n\mathrm{H}_{2n} \), indicating their specific atomic arrangement.

• Alkanes have only single bonds and follow the formula \( \mathrm{C}_n\mathrm{H}_{2n+2} \).
• Alkynes contain triple bonds and align with \( \mathrm{C}_n\mathrm{H}_{2n-2} \).

By understanding hydrocarbons, we gain insights into how these molecules store and release energy, react chemically, and integrate into larger systems. Hydrocarbons form the backbone of organic chemistry and understanding their subtleties helps pave the way to mastering other more complex molecules.