Can the value of 'n' be 1 in the general formula of ALKENES ( CnH2n )
Solution
Alkenes have the general formula CnH2n. They belong to the class of unsaturated hydrocarbons, i.e., they have multiple bond between the carbon atoms. Alkenes have at least one double bond between two carbon atoms in a chain. Since hydrogen forms only single covalent bond, a minimum of two carbon atoms are required in an alkene. Therefore, the value of n can not be one and starts from two. Hence, the first member of the alkene series is C2H2×2=4, i.e., H2C=CH2.
Alkenes have the general formula CnH2n. They belong to the class of unsaturated hydrocarbons, i.e., they have multiple bond between the carbon atoms. Alkenes have at least one double bond between two carbon atoms in a chain. Since hydrogen forms only single covalent bond, a minimum of two carbon atoms are required in an alkene. Therefore, the value of n can not be one and starts from two. Hence, the first member of the alkene series is C2H2×2=4, i.e., H2C=CH2.