Question

Determine the number of elements of unsaturation in the molecular formula C₃H₄. Give all three possible structures having this formula. Remember that

a double bond = one element of unsaturation

a ring = one element of unsaturation

a triple bond = two elements of unsaturation

Short answer

The number of element of unsaturation is 2 and the possible structure of C₃H₄

_(a)

(b)

(c)

Step-by-step solution

Step 1:Concept

The molecular formula of the compound is represented graphically by the structure of the compound, which reveals how the complex’s atoms are arranged.

Isomers of a compound are those with the same chemical formula but a distinct atom-structural arrangement. Stereoisomer and structural isomers are the two categories of isomers. Chain isomers, position isomers and functional groups isomers are examples of structural isomers.

Determine the number of elements

The number of elements of unsaturation can be calculated as follows,

Element of unsaturation = 1/2(2 x (Number of carbon atom} + 2 - {Number of hydrogen atom}

= 1/2 (2 x 3 + 2 - 4)

= 1/2 (8-4)

= 2

Give all three possible structures

a) The structure of the compound with molecular formula C₅H₁₀ can be represented as,

b)The structure of the compound with molecular formula C₅H₁₀ can be represented as,

c)The structure of the compound with molecular formula C₅H₁₀ can be represented as,