The chemical compound C9H20 is named Nonane.
Nonane is a straight-chain alkane, a type of saturated hydrocarbon. Its name is derived systematically using the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature rules, which provide a standardized way to name chemical compounds.
Understanding Alkane Nomenclature
Alkanes are organic compounds consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms connected by single bonds. Their naming follows a simple pattern: a prefix indicating the number of carbon atoms in the longest continuous chain, followed by the suffix "-ane."
- Prefix: Indicates the number of carbon atoms.
- Suffix: "-ane" signifies that the compound is an alkane, meaning it's a saturated hydrocarbon with only single bonds.
For C9H20, the prefix "non-" specifically denotes a chain of nine carbon atoms.
Common Alkane Prefixes
| Number of Carbon Atoms | Prefix | Alkane Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Meth- | Methane |
| 2 | Eth- | Ethane |
| 3 | Prop- | Propane |
| 4 | But- | Butane |
| 5 | Pent- | Pentane |
| 6 | Hex- | Hexane |
| 7 | Hept- | Heptane |
| 8 | Oct- | Octane |
| 9 | Non- | Nonane |
| 10 | Dec- | Decane |
Properties and Isomers of Nonane
While "Nonane" most commonly refers to the straight-chain isomer (n-nonane), the molecular formula C9H20 can represent a total of 35 structural isomers, which are compounds with the same molecular formula but different arrangements of atoms. Each of these branched isomers would have a distinct IUPAC name based on its specific structure (e.g., 2-methylocTane, 3-ethylheptane, etc.). However, when the formula C9H20 is given without further structural details, the name "Nonane" typically defaults to the parent straight-chain compound.
Key Characteristics of Nonane (n-nonane):
- Formula: C9H20
- Appearance: Colorless liquid
- State at room temperature: Liquid
- Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in organic solvents.
- Reactivity: Relatively unreactive, primarily undergoing combustion.
Practical Applications
Nonane, along with other alkanes, is a component of gasoline and other petroleum products. It contributes to the fuel's energy content and physical properties. In laboratory settings, it can be used as a non-polar solvent or as a reference standard in chromatography.
