Which of the following compounds could have the molecular formula C7H16?A) hexaneB) pentaneC) 2-methylheptaneD) 2,3-dimethylpentaneE) 3-ethylhexane

Question

How would i figure this out? Please explain!

Answer 1

A) hexane has 6 carbons So can’t be that

B) pentane has 5 carbons so that’s not it

C) 2-methylheptane. Heptane has 7 carbons and the methyl adds another for a total of 8. That’s not it.

D) pentane has 5 carbons plus the 2 methyl groups for a total of 7 carbons. So this could be correct. Now check the hydrogens. There are 17 hydrogens so THIS IS CORRECT

E) hexane has 6 carbons plus 2 carbons for tge ethyl group for a total of 8 carbons. This can’t be it.

Answer is D