The molecular formula for 2-methyl-3-heptene is C8H16.
Understanding 2-Methyl-3-Heptene
2-Methyl-3-heptene is an organic compound classified as an alkene, characterized by a double bond within its carbon chain and a methyl group as a substituent. Its name provides direct clues to its structure and, consequently, its chemical formula:
- Heptene: This indicates a main carbon chain of seven (hept-) atoms and the presence of at least one carbon-carbon double bond (-ene). Alkenes with one double bond follow the general formula CnH2n. If it were n-heptene, it would be C7H14.
- -3-: This number specifies the position of the double bond, starting at the third carbon atom in the main chain.
- 2-methyl: This denotes a methyl group (CH3) attached to the second carbon atom of the main heptene chain.
When you add the carbons from the main chain (7 from heptene) and the methyl group (1), the total number of carbon atoms is 7 + 1 = 8. Since it is an alkene with one double bond, it fits the CnH2n formula. Therefore, for n=8, the formula is C8H(2*8) = C8H16.
Key Properties of 2-Methyl-3-Heptene
Here are some specific details regarding 2-methyl-3-heptene:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Molecular Formula | C8H16 |
| Average Mass | 112.216 |
| Monoisotopic Mass | 112.125201 |
| ChemSpider ID | 62856 |
Structural Isomers
It's important to note that the exact positioning of the methyl group and the double bond defines this specific isomer. Altering these positions would result in a different isomer with the same molecular formula (C8H16) but distinct chemical and physical properties. For instance, heptene isomers could also be C7H14, but with an additional methyl group, this particular compound has eight carbons. The "ene" suffix clarifies that it contains one double bond, which is key to its CnH2n formula.
