Why Does 3-Methylheptane Have 18 Hydrogens Instead of 16?

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In summary, 3-methylheptane has 8 carbons and 18 Hydrogens due to the addition of a methyl group on the 3rd carbon. The formula CnH2n+2 can be used to determine the number of Hydrogens, but it must take into account the additional carbon in the methyl group. The structural form is CH3-CH2-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3.
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tica86
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So I am given 3-methylheptane I know that it looks like this:


CH3-CH2-CH-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3
And the methyl group is attached to CH

It is heptane so I have 7 carbons and a total of 15 Hydrogens but I don't understand why it isn't 16 Hydrogens don't I use the formula
CnH2n+2=16Hydrogen
If I don't use the formula then how do I determine the number of Hydrogens?

Can someone please explain, I don't understand why one of it's Hydrogen is replaced with methyl, thanks!
 
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3-Methylheptane actually contains 8 carbons, not seven (Remember the naming, it is heptane (7 carbons), plus a methy group (on the 3rd carbon) is a -CH3 group). Thus, using your formula CnH2n+2, you should have C8H18, not C7H16 or C8H16. :)

By the way, the structural skeleton form is: CH3-CH2-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3
 

Related to Why Does 3-Methylheptane Have 18 Hydrogens Instead of 16?

1. How do you draw the structure for 3-methylheptane?

To draw the structure for 3-methylheptane, start by drawing a straight chain of seven carbon atoms. Then, attach a methyl group (CH3) to the third carbon atom in the chain. This creates the structure of 3-methylheptane: CH3-CH2-CH(CH3)-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH3.

2. What is the molecular formula for 3-methylheptane?

The molecular formula for 3-methylheptane is C8H18. This formula represents the number and type of atoms present in one molecule of 3-methylheptane.

3. Is 3-methylheptane a straight chain or branched molecule?

3-methylheptane is a branched molecule. It contains a methyl group (CH3) attached to the third carbon atom, causing it to have a branch in its structure.

4. What is the common name for 3-methylheptane?

The common name for 3-methylheptane is isoheptane. This name is derived from the "iso" prefix, which indicates the presence of a methyl group in the molecule.

5. What are the physical properties of 3-methylheptane?

3-methylheptane is a colorless liquid with a gasoline-like odor. It has a boiling point of approximately 115°C and a density of 0.72 g/mL. It is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. It is also highly flammable.

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