Cyclohexane vs Hexene: Isomers & Soot

[davon806]

Homework Statement

Hi,
consider hexene(C6H12) and cyclohexane(C6H12)
1:Are they isomers?
2:Do they produce the same amount of soot?

Homework Equations

The Attempt at a Solution

1:um...I have only learned structural isomerism.
Are they functional group isomers?As they belong to different homologous series
(cycloalkanes and alkenes)..?
2:I am not sure.So far I only know that the C to H ratio affect the amount of soot produced.
The larger the C/H ratio,the more the soot produced.However, the C/H ratio in both compounds are equal,are there any other factors affecting the amount of soot given out in the combustion?

 

[JohnRC]

The word "isomer" has a definition and a meaning. Yes there are different kinds of isomers, but you have been asked whether they are isomers in general -- no particular type. So find the definition and check those two compounds.

Part (2) Do they produce the same amount of soot?

For any particular fuel, the amount of soot produced is not a constant -- it depends a great deal upon the exact reaction conditions. Were you given any particular conditions under which the fuel was to be burnt or thermally decomposed without air? Acetylene produces huge amounts of soot if you just throw calcium carbide into a puddle and light it up. It produces almost none if you are using an oxy-acetylene welder!

 

[davon806]

Q1 thx
Q2 I mean burning them under the room condition

 

[Borek]

I guess the question aims at the difference between burning of alkanes and alkenes.

 

[DeeNos]

I can provide some insight into these questions.

1. Yes, hexene and cyclohexane are isomers. They have the same molecular formula (C6H12) but different structural arrangements. Hexene is an alkene, which means it has a double bond between two carbon atoms, while cyclohexane is a cycloalkane, which has all single bonds between its carbon atoms. Therefore, they are functional group isomers.

2. The amount of soot produced is affected by a variety of factors, including the carbon-to-hydrogen ratio, as you mentioned. However, the combustion process also depends on the molecular structure of the compound. Alkenes, like hexene, have a double bond which can undergo addition reactions during combustion, leading to the formation of more complex and potentially soot-producing molecules. On the other hand, cyclohexane has only single bonds and therefore is less likely to form these complex molecules and produce less soot. Additionally, the combustion process can also be affected by temperature, pressure, and the presence of other compounds in the fuel. Therefore, while both hexene and cyclohexane may have the same C/H ratio, their molecular structures can still influence the amount of soot produced during combustion.