Structure and Stereochemistry of Alkanes

Q Draw and name the isomers of alkanes, and explain the trends in their physical properties. 

Draw alkane conformations, compare their energies, and predict the most stable conformations. 

We classify hydrocarbons according to their bonding (Section 2-12), as shown in Table 3-1. Alkanes have only single bonds. A hydrocarbon with a carbon-carbon double bond (such as ethylene) is an alkene. If a hydrocarbon has a carbon-carbon triple bond (like acetylene), it is an alkyne. Hydrocarbons with aromatic rings (resembling benzene) are called aromatic hydrocarbons. 

Note to the student The lUPAC system of nomenclature has a well defined set of rules determining how structures are named. You will find a summary of these rules as Appendix 1 in this Solutions Manual. 

3-2 Use hyphens to separate letters from numbers. Longest chains may not always be written left to right. 

3-3 This Solutions Manual will present line formulas where a question asks for an answer including a structure. If you use condensed structural formulas instead, be sure that you are able to translate one structure type into the other. 

3-4 Separate numbers from numbers with commas. 

3-5 (Hints systematize your approach to these problems. For the isomers of a six carbon formula, for example, start with the isomer containing all six carbons in a straight chain, then the isomers containing a five-carbon chain, then a four-carbon chain, etc. Carefully check your answers to AVOID DUPLICATE STRUCTURES.) 

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