A hydrocarbon has the molecular formula C₄H₈. Which of the following classes of compounds could it belong to?
AAlkane only
BAlkene only
CAlkene or cycloalkaneCORRECT
DAlkyne or alkene
GCEChemistryOrganic Chemistry2019
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Why the answer is C, and why the others tempt you.
The general formula for alkenes is CₙH₂ₙ and for cycloalkanes is also CₙH₂ₙ. C₄H₈ fits both: but-1-ene (alkene) and cyclobutane (cycloalkane). Alkanes have formula CₙH₂ₙ₊₂ and alkynes CₙH₂ₙ₋₂, so neither fits C₄H₈.
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