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Multiple Choice
Which molecular formula could represent an acyclic alkyne (a hydrocarbon containing exactly one triple bond)?
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1
Recall the general formula for acyclic (open-chain) hydrocarbons: alkanes have the formula \(C_nH_{2n+2}\), alkenes have \(C_nH_{2n}\), and alkynes have \(C_nH_{2n-2}\), where \(n\) is the number of carbon atoms.
Since the problem specifies an acyclic alkyne, use the formula for alkynes: \(C_nH_{2n-2}\).
Substitute \(n = 5\) (because the molecular formulas given all have 5 carbons) into the alkyne formula: \(C_5H_{2(5)-2} = C_5H_8\).
Compare this result to the given options: \(C_5H_6\), \(C_5H_{12}\), \(C_5H_8\), and \(C_5H_{10}\). The formula matching \(C_5H_8\) fits the alkyne formula.
Therefore, the molecular formula representing an acyclic alkyne with 5 carbons is \(C_5H_8\).