Nonane

Definition

Nonane is a straight-chain alkane with the molecular formula C9H20. It is a colorless, odorless, and flammable liquid hydrocarbon that is commonly used as a solvent and in the production of other chemicals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Nonane is the ninth member of the alkane homologous series, with a carbon chain length of nine.
2. The IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) name for nonane is derived from the Greek word 'ennea,' meaning nine.
3. Nonane is a straight-chain alkane, meaning it has a continuous, unbranched carbon skeleton.
4. Nonane has a boiling point of 150.8°C (303.4°F) and a melting point of -53.6°C (-64.5°F).
5. Nonane is used as a solvent, a fuel additive, and in the production of other chemicals, such as dyes and pharmaceuticals.

Review Questions

• Explain the relationship between nonane and the alkane homologous series.
  • Nonane is a member of the alkane homologous series, which is a series of organic compounds with the general formula CnH2n+2, where n represents the number of carbon atoms in the molecule. As the ninth member of this series, nonane has a carbon chain length of nine, following the pattern of the series. The structural and physical properties of nonane are similar to other alkanes in the series, as they all share the same functional group (a single carbon-carbon bond) and differ by a repeating unit of CH2.
• Describe the process of naming nonane according to the IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) system.
  • The IUPAC name for nonane is derived from the Greek word 'ennea,' meaning nine, to reflect the nine-carbon chain length of the molecule. The IUPAC naming system for alkanes follows a specific set of rules, including identifying the longest carbon chain, determining the presence and position of any substituents, and applying the appropriate prefixes and suffixes. In the case of nonane, the name is formed by taking the root 'non-' (from the Greek word for nine) and adding the suffix '-ane' to indicate the alkane functional group.
• Analyze the significance of the physical properties of nonane, such as its boiling point and melting point, in the context of its chemical behavior and applications.
  • The physical properties of nonane, particularly its boiling point of 150.8°C and melting point of -53.6°C, are important considerations in understanding its chemical behavior and potential applications. The relatively high boiling point of nonane, compared to lighter alkanes, suggests that it is a liquid at room temperature and can be used as a solvent or fuel additive. The low melting point indicates that nonane remains in a liquid state even at relatively low temperatures, making it suitable for use in applications where a liquid hydrocarbon is required. These physical properties, along with nonane's stability and lack of reactivity, contribute to its utility as an industrial chemical and in the production of other compounds.

Related terms

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

Homologous Series: A homologous series is a series of organic compounds that differ by a repeating unit, such as CH2, and have similar chemical properties.

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