Question

How many carbon atoms are there in a molecule of each of the following:
a. ethane b. 1-butyne c. propene d. cyclooctane

Please provide molecular formula for each of the four above mentioned compounds.

Answer 1

Answer:

a.  2 carbons; b. 4 carbons; c. 3 carbons; d. 8 carbons

Explanation:

Think in the prefixes

a. Ethane → Eth (2C)

C₂H₆

b. 1-butyne → But (4C)

C₄H₆

c. Propene → Prop (3C)

C₃H₆

d. Cyclooctane → Oct (8C)

C₈H₁₆