Give the molecular formula to calculate alkynes and alkane

1 answer

To calculate the molecular formula of alkynes and alkanes, you need to know the number of carbon atoms in the compound.

1. Alkanes: These are hydrocarbons with only single bonds between carbon atoms. The general formula for alkane is CnH2n+2, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms.

For example:
- Methane (n=1) would have the molecular formula CH4.
- Ethane (n=2) would have the molecular formula C2H6.
- Propane (n=3) would have the molecular formula C3H8.
- Butane (n=4) would have the molecular formula C4H10.
- And so on...

2. Alkynes: These are hydrocarbons with at least one triple bond between carbon atoms. The general formula for alkynes is CnH2n-2.

For example:
- Ethyne or Acetylene (n=2) would have the molecular formula C2H2.
- Propyne (n=3) would have the molecular formula C3H4.
- Butyne (n=4) would have the molecular formula C4H6.
- And so on...

Remember, these formulas indicate the ratio of carbon and hydrogen atoms in the molecule, and the actual arrangement of atoms can vary.