Question

A compound, C15H24, is reacted with excess hydrogen using a metal catalyst. One equivalent of the compound consumed three equivalents of hydrogen. How many rings didthe original compound have?

Answer 1

Answer:

1 ring

Explanation:

The molecular formula of a saturated alkane with 12 carbon atoms is $C_{13}H_{32}$ while that of a cyclic alkane with 12 carbon atoms is $C_{13}H_{30}$. Thus, if six hydrogen atoms are removed from the compound, this would translate into a three double bonds. Therefore, the number of rings in the original compound would be one (1).