Question

The molecules of the alkene family are represented by the genral formula ${\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{H}}_{2\mathrm{n}}$. What do $\mathrm{n}$ and $2\mathrm{n}$signify?

Answer 1

1. Hydrocarbons consist of Carbon $\left(\mathrm{C}\right)$ and Hydrogen $\left(\mathrm{H}\right)$ atoms by a single or multiple bonds.
2. Hydrocarbons are of two types depending on the kind of bonds formed between Carbon-Carbon atoms, saturated hydrocarbons, and unsaturated hydrocarbons
3. The organic compounds containing Carbon atoms having triple bonds and double bonds between two Carbon atoms are called unsaturated hydrocarbons.
4. Alkenes contain double bonds between the Carbon atoms so, it is an unsaturated hydrocarbon. The molecules of the alkene family are represented by the general formula $\left({\mathrm{C}}_{\mathrm{n}}{\mathrm{H}}_{2\mathrm{n}}\right)$.
5. The number of Carbon atoms is represented by $\left(\mathrm{n}\right)$ and $\left(2\mathrm{n}\right)$ represents the number of Hydrogen atoms in a molecule of alkene.
6. Example: In an Ethene $\left({\mathrm{C}}_2{\mathrm{H}}_4\right)$ molecule number of Carbon atoms is two and the number of Hydrogen atoms is four so, the value of $\left(\mathrm{n}\right)$ and $\left(2\mathrm{n}\right)$ is $2$ and $4$.