What is the #"degree of unsaturation"# with respect to organic molecules?

1 Answer
anor277
Jul 20, 2017

What are you asking?

Explanation:

Alkanes have a general formula of #C_nH_(2n+2)#. These are saturated molecules. An olefin, an alkene, has ONE so-called degree of unsaturation. If there is an olefinic bond, OR a ring junction, the formula drops from #C_nH_(2n+2)# to #C_nH_(2n)#, i.e 2 hydrogen LESS than the saturated formula.

Try this out for butane, butane, cyclobutane etc. Does it work?

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