Visualize the structural formula of each of the following hydrocarbons. Which hydrocarbon has a double bond in its carbon skeleton?

C2H4
C3H8
C2H2
C2H6

1 answer

To visualize the structural formulas of the given hydrocarbons, let’s break down each molecule:

  1. C2H4 (Ethene): This is an alkene with a double bond between the two carbon atoms. The structure can be represented as:

    H2C=CH2
    

    Here, the double bond is present between the two carbon atoms.

  2. C3H8 (Propane): This is an alkane and does not contain any double bonds. Its structural formula is:

    CH3-CH2-CH3
    
  3. C2H2 (Ethyne): This is also an alkane with a triple bond between the two carbon atoms. The structure can be represented as:

    H-C≡C-H
    

    There are no double bonds here, but a triple bond.

  4. C2H6 (Ethane): This is another alkane that has no double bonds. Its structural formula is:

    CH3-CH3
    

Summary:

  • C2H4 (Ethene) has a double bond in its carbon skeleton.
  • C3H8 (Propane), C2H2 (Ethyne), and C2H6 (Ethane) do not have double bonds in their carbon skeletons.

Thus, the hydrocarbon with a double bond is C2H4 (Ethene).