Question

The systematic names of all saturated hydrocarbons have the ending added to a root name that indicates the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Short answer

To find the systematic name of a saturated hydrocarbon, determine the number of carbon atoms, find the corresponding root name (e.g., Meth-, Eth-, Prop-, etc.), and add the ending "-ane" to the root name. For example, if there are 6 carbon atoms, the root name is "Hex-" and the systematic name is "Hexane".

Step-by-step solution

Identify the number of carbon atoms

In this exercise, it is given that we can find the root name depending on the number of carbon atoms present in the saturated hydrocarbon. Keep a note of the number of carbon atoms.

Find the root name

For each number of carbon atoms, there is a unique root name. Remember the following root names for the given number of carbon atoms: 1. Meth- (for 1 carbon atom) 2. Eth- (for 2 carbon atoms) 3. Prop- (for 3 carbon atoms) 4. But- (for 4 carbon atoms) 5. Pent- (for 5 carbon atoms) 6. Hex- (for 6 carbon atoms) 7. Hept- (for 7 carbon atoms) 8. Oct- (for 8 carbon atoms) 9. Non- (for 9 carbon atoms) 10. Dec- (for 10 carbon atoms)

Add the correct ending

As it is given that the hydrocarbons are saturated, they have single bonds between all carbon atoms and are called alkanes. All alkanes have the same ending, "-ane". Therefore, we need to add "-ane" as the ending to the root name obtained in step 2.

Combine the root name with the ending

Finally, combine the root name obtained in step 2 with the ending "-ane" to form the systematic name of the saturated hydrocarbon. For example, if the hydrocarbon has 6 carbon atoms, its root name will be "Hex-" (from step 2) and the ending will be "-ane". The systematic name will then be "Hexane". Keep in mind that the exercise can be solved for any number of carbon atoms using the same steps, and root names exist for carbon atoms beyond 10 as well.

Key concepts

Saturated Hydrocarbons

Saturated hydrocarbons are a category of organic compounds that consist entirely of single bonds between carbon atoms. This means they do not contain any double or triple carbon-carbon bonds. Because of their full saturation with hydrogen atoms, they tend to be more stable and less reactive than unsaturated hydrocarbons.
Saturated hydrocarbons are commonly known as alkanes in chemistry. Each carbon atom in an alkane is sp³ hybridized, leading to a tetrahedral geometry where the bond angles are close to 109.5 degrees. This arrangement allows for maximum hydrogen atom attachment, which leads to their full saturation.
Examples of saturated hydrocarbons include methane ( ext{CH}_4), ethane ( ext{C}_2 ext{H}_6), and propane ( ext{C}_3 ext{H}_8). They have various uses, such as being major components of natural gas and petroleum.

Alkanes Naming

Alkanes follow a systematic naming process as per the IUPAC nomenclature system to ensure consistency and clarity in communication. The naming of alkanes involves identifying the number of carbon atoms in the molecule, assigning the correct root name, and adding the standardized ending. - **Identify the carbon count:** Count the number of carbon atoms present in the molecule. This count determines the root name. - **Assign the root name:** Use specific prefixes that correspond to the number of carbons: - Meth- for 1 carbon - Eth- for 2 carbons - Prop- for 3 carbons - But- for 4 carbons - Pent- for 5 carbons, etc. - **Add the "-ane" suffix:** This suffix indicates that the hydrocarbon is fully saturated. So, after determining the root, add "-ane" to finalize the name.
For example, an alkane with 4 carbon atoms is called "butane," because "but-" denotes 4 carbons and "-ane" signifies a saturated hydrocarbon.

Root Names of Hydrocarbons

The root names of hydrocarbons play a crucial role in the IUPAC nomenclature system. They help in identifying the primary components of the structure, specifically the number of carbon atoms present. Root names are derived based on the following count of carbon atoms: - 1 carbon: **Meth-** - 2 carbons: **Eth-** - 3 carbons: **Prop-** - 4 carbons: **But-** - 5 carbons: **Pent-** - 6 carbons: **Hex-** - 7 carbons: **Hept-** - 8 carbons: **Oct-** - 9 carbons: **Non-** - 10 carbons: **Dec-**
As we identify the number of carbon atoms in a hydrocarbon, the corresponding root name provides a foundational step in its complete IUPAC name. This systematic approach prevents confusion and facilitates easier study and communication about chemical substances globally.