Question

In a noncyclic alkane other than methane, what is the maximum number of hydrogen atoms that can be bonded to one carbon atom?

Short answer

A carbon atom in a noncyclic alkane can have a maximum of 3 hydrogen atoms.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the structure of an alkane

Alkanes are hydrocarbons where carbon atoms are arranged in chains linked by single bonds. Each carbon atom forms four single bonds due to having four valence electrons.

Consider maximum bonding for carbon

In an alkane, every carbon forms four single bonds. For a carbon atom to be bonded to the maximum number of hydrogen atoms, it must not be bonded to any other carbon atoms except for one.

Identify types of carbon in alkanes

There are different types of carbon atoms, including primary (1°), secondary (2°), tertiary (3°), and quaternary (4°). A primary carbon is bonded to only one other carbon atom.

Determine the hydrogen attachment for primary carbon

A primary carbon atom forms one bond with another carbon atom, leaving three bonds available to form with hydrogen atoms. Therefore, a maximum of three hydrogen atoms can bond to a primary carbon atom.

Key concepts

Carbon Bonding

Elements bond in different ways to achieve stability through a full valence shell, following the octet rule. Carbon, which has four valence electrons, is highly versatile in forming bonds. It aims to achieve an electron configuration similar to noble gases by sharing electrons in bonds.

• **Single Bonds:** The most common bonds carbon forms are single covalent bonds, which are also known as sigma bonds. In alkanes, carbon creates single bonds with four other atoms total.
• **Tetrahedral Geometry:** This arrangement leads to a tetrahedral geometry around the carbon atom, with a bond angle of approximately 109.5 degrees. This geometry allows carbon's four bonds to be as far apart as possible.

For each alkane, every carbon atom typically forms four single bonds. This ensures that all valence electrons are paired and the molecule remains stable. Understanding carbon's bonding capabilities is crucial for grasping the structure of hydrocarbons.

Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are fascinating compounds composed solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These organic molecules are prevalent due to carbon's ability to form long stable chains and complex structures. There are several types of hydrocarbons, with **alkanes** being the simplest form.

• **Alkanes:** These are saturated hydrocarbons, meaning every carbon atom uses all its available bonds to form single sigma bonds with other atoms, primarily hydrogen, maximizing its hydrogen content.
• **Noncyclic Structure:** In noncyclic alkanes, also referred to as acyclic hydrocarbons, the carbon atoms are arranged in open chains rather than rings, allowing a primary carbon atom to be bonded directly to only one other carbon atom.

Hydrocarbons serve as the foundation for more complex compounds, and their straightforward structure allows them to act as a benchmark for understanding more intricate chemical processes.

Primary Carbon Atom

A primary carbon atom plays a significant role in determining the structure and properties of alkanes. Defined as a carbon atom bonded to only one other carbon atom, this structure allows for the maximum number of hydrogen atoms to attach to a single carbon.

• **Hydrogen Bonds:** For a primary carbon atom, three out of the four single bonds are usually with hydrogen atoms, allowing these carbons to maintain balance and stability.
• **Flexibility in Chains:** In hydrocarbon chains, primary carbon atoms often appear at the ends of the chains. Their flexibility in forming and breaking bonds makes them crucial for further transforming hydrocarbons into other functional groups or compounds.

Recognizing the behavior and bonding patterns of primary carbon atoms helps in understanding how organic molecules are structured and how they react in different chemical environments.