Question

(a) What is meant by catenation? Name two elements which exhibit the property of catenation.
(b) Write the names and structural formulae of all the possible isomers of hexane.

Answer 1

(a) Catenation is the unique property exhibited by the carbon atoms. It is the ability of one carbon atom to combine with its other atoms to form long chains, and give rise to a large number of carbon compounds.
Carbon and silicon are the two elements which exhibit the property of catenation.

(b)

Isomer of hexane (C6 H14 )	Structural formula
1) Hexane
2) 2-methyl pentane
3) 3-methyl pentane
4) 2,2-dimethyl butane
5) 2,3-dimethyl butane