Question

Question #96750

Answer 1

I am assuming by a table, you want to know different examples, so I will try to briefly describe each, and then give examples.

Explanation:

The number of carbon atoms determines the prefix of the hydrocarbon.

Alkanes are a branch of hydrocarbons with the formula `C_nH_(2n+2)`. Their structure involves the carbon atoms being surrounded by hydrogen atoms. Each atom has formed as many bonds as it can, so it is saturated. Alkanes end with the suffix "ane", (so an alkane with 2 carbon atoms would be meth-ane).

Alkenes have the formula `C_nH_(2n)`. There is a double bond between two of the carbon atoms - so it is unsaturated (the double bond could break and form two bonds, so it has not bonded with the maximum number of atoms possible). Alkenes end with "ene" (see the pattern!). However, because there has to be two or more carbon atoms for a double bond, there is no "methene", it goes straight to "ethane" with two carbons.

Finally, alkynes are represented by `C_nH_(2n-2)`. Again, they are unsaturated hydrocarbons, but alkynes have a triple bond between two of the carbon atoms. They end with "yne", and skip " meth" again. (E.g. an alkyne with 3 carbon atoms would be propyne).

So if you have a hydrocarbons formula, you can use it to find out whether it is an alkane, alkene or alkyne by the ratio of carbon to hydrogen, and you can find the prefix by the number of carbon atoms.
E.g. if you have an unknown substance with the formula `C_4H_6`, then you know it is an alkyne (because it follows the rule of `C_nH_(2n-2)`) and you know it will have the prefix "but" because there are 4 carbons. Therefore, the substance is Butyne.

As for the table, I did attempt to create one for you on excel, but after doing all the coding and editing my macro to form chemical formulas, my computer malfunctioned - so I have included a few reliable ones from BBC bitesize and Schule Direct.

I hope this helps, feel free to let me know if you need anymore information, or something explaining better.