Decane

Definition

Decane is a straight-chain alkane with the molecular formula C10H22. It is a colorless, odorless, and flammable liquid that is an important component in various petroleum-based products and industrial applications.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Decane has a linear, unbranched structure with 10 carbon atoms and 22 hydrogen atoms.
2. The systematic name for decane is derived using the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) naming system, where the prefix 'dec-' indicates the number of carbon atoms.
3. Decane is a member of the alkane family, which are saturated hydrocarbons with single carbon-carbon bonds.
4. The boiling point of decane is approximately 174°C (345°F), making it a relatively volatile liquid at room temperature.
5. Decane is widely used as a solvent, a fuel component, and a chemical intermediate in various industrial processes.

Review Questions

• Explain how the IUPAC naming system is used to name decane.
  • The IUPAC naming system for alkanes is based on the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain. For decane, the prefix 'dec-' indicates that the molecule has 10 carbon atoms. The suffix '-ane' is then added to denote that it is a saturated hydrocarbon. Therefore, the systematic name for decane is derived by combining the prefix 'dec-' and the suffix '-ane', resulting in the name 'decane'.
• Describe the physical properties of decane and how they relate to its applications.
  • Decane is a colorless, odorless, and flammable liquid at room temperature. Its relatively high boiling point of 174°C (345°F) makes it suitable for use as a solvent, particularly in high-temperature applications. Additionally, the linear, unbranched structure of decane contributes to its high energy density, making it a useful component in various fuel formulations. The combination of its physical properties and chemical structure allows decane to be employed in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications.
• Analyze the relationship between the molecular structure of decane and its classification as an alkane.
  • Decane is classified as an alkane due to its molecular structure, which consists of a continuous chain of 10 carbon atoms with single carbon-carbon bonds and the maximum possible number of hydrogen atoms. This saturated hydrocarbon structure, represented by the general formula CnH2n+2, is a defining characteristic of alkanes. The linear, unbranched arrangement of the carbon atoms in decane, along with the presence of only single bonds, contributes to its stability and lack of reactivity, which are typical properties of alkanes. Understanding the connection between the molecular structure of decane and its classification as an alkane is crucial for predicting and explaining its chemical and physical behavior.

Related terms

Alkanes: Alkanes are a class of saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH2n+2, where n is the number of carbon atoms in the molecule.

Nomenclature: Nomenclature is the system of naming chemical compounds based on established rules and conventions.

Boiling Point: The boiling point is the temperature at which a liquid transitions to a gas at a given pressure, typically atmospheric pressure.