What are the four types of tetrahedral carbon? What are the names of the first ten straight chain alkanes?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
Tetrahedral carbon refers to the molecular geometry that carbon exhibits when it forms four single covalent bonds, resulting in a tetrahedral shape. The four types of tetrahedral carbon are categorized based on the number of hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atom and the presence of other functional groups. They are:
- Primary (1°) carbon: A carbon atom bonded to one other carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms.
- Secondary (2°) carbon: A carbon atom bonded to two other carbon atoms and two hydrogen atoms.
- Tertiary (3°) carbon: A carbon atom bonded to three other carbon atoms and one hydrogen atom.
- Quaternary (4°) carbon: A carbon atom bonded to four other carbon atoms and no hydrogen atoms.
These classifications are significant in organic chemistry as they influence the reactivity and properties of molecules. For instance, tertiary carbons are more reactive than primary carbons due to steric hindrance and the stability of carbocations.
The first ten straight-chain alkanes, which are hydrocarbons consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen with single bonds (C-C), are named according to the number of carbon atoms in the chain:
- Methane (C₁H₄): The simplest alkane, with one carbon atom.
- Ethane (C₂H₆): Consists of two carbon atoms.
- Propane (C₃H₈): Contains three carbon atoms.
- Butane (C₄H₁₀): Made up of four carbon atoms.
- Pentane (C₅H₁₂): Comprises five carbon atoms.
- Hexane (C₆H₁₄): Contains six carbon atoms.
- Heptane (C₇H₁₆): Composed of seven carbon atoms.
- Octane (C₈H₁₈): Made up of eight carbon atoms.
- Nonane (C₉H₂₀): Contains nine carbon atoms.
- Decane (C₁₀H₂₂): Comprises ten carbon atoms.
These alkanes are significant in both chemical synthesis and as fuels, with their properties influencing various applications in industry and everyday life.