Question

(a) Write an equation involving structural formulas for the catalytic cracking of 2,2,3,4,5,5-hexamethylhexane. Assume that the cracking occurs between carbon atoms 3 and 4.

(b) Draw and name one other isomer of the alkene

Short answer

a.

Catalytic breaking of 2,2,3,4,5,5-hexamethylhexane

b.

2-methyl-2-pentene

Step-by-step solution

Isomers

These are the compounds that comprise the same number of elements and the same empirical formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms. They do not generally share similar physical and chemical characteristics.

Explanation

a.

The catalytic cracking up of 2,2,3,4,5,5-hexamethylhexane would produce 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene and 2,2-dimethyl butane due to the breaking of the bond between the third and fourth carbon atom in the chain.

Catalytic breaking of 2,2,3,4,5,5-hexamethylhexane

b.

The alkene formed in the catalytic cracking is 3,3-dimethyl-1-butene. So, the isomer of this compound is 2-methyl-2-pentene. Thus, the structure of the isomer is:

2-methyl-2-pentene