Write the skeletal structure for the alkane or cycloalkane shown:
(c) CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Recognize that the given formula, CH₃CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₂CH₃, represents a straight-chain alkane. Alkanes are hydrocarbons with only single bonds between carbon atoms, and their general formula is CₙH₂ₙ₊₂.
2. Step 2: Count the number of carbon atoms in the chain. In this case, there are 8 carbon atoms, which corresponds to the alkane named octane.
3. Step 3: Draw the skeletal structure for the alkane. In skeletal structures, each vertex or endpoint represents a carbon atom, and hydrogen atoms are implied to satisfy the valency of carbon (4 bonds per carbon). For octane, draw a straight chain of 8 connected vertices.
4. Step 4: Ensure that each carbon atom in the chain has the correct number of bonds. Since this is a straight-chain alkane, each internal carbon will have 2 bonds to other carbons and 2 implied bonds to hydrogens, while the terminal carbons will have 1 bond to another carbon and 3 implied bonds to hydrogens.
5. Step 5: Verify the structure by confirming that the total number of hydrogens matches the molecular formula (C₈H₁₈). Each carbon's valency should be satisfied, and the structure should represent a continuous chain of 8 carbons.

Key Concepts

Alkane Structure

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons consisting only of carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) atoms, connected by single bonds. Their general formula is CnH2n+2, where 'n' represents the number of carbon atoms. The skeletal structure of an alkane visually represents the arrangement of carbon atoms and their associated hydrogen atoms, typically depicted as lines connecting carbon atoms.

Skeletal Formula

A skeletal formula is a simplified representation of a molecular structure that shows the connectivity of atoms without explicitly writing all hydrogen atoms. In this format, carbon atoms are represented by vertices or ends of lines, while hydrogen atoms are implied. This method allows for a clearer and more concise depiction of larger organic molecules, making it easier to visualize their structure.

Cycloalkanes

Cycloalkanes are a subset of alkanes where the carbon atoms are arranged in a ring structure. They have the general formula CnH2n, indicating that they contain two fewer hydrogen atoms than their linear counterparts due to the formation of ring bonds. Understanding cycloalkanes is essential for distinguishing between different types of hydrocarbons and their structural properties.