Question

The degree of unsaturation, or index of hydrogen deficiency, is the number of pi bonds plus rings in a molecule. Specify the degree of unsaturation (index of hydrogen deficiency) of the following formulas:
(a) C5H6
(b) C10H6Cl2
(c) C4H3NO

Answer 1

Explanation:

The degree of unsaturation is given as;

Degree of unsaturation = (2C + 2 + N - H - X) / 2

(a) C5H6

Using the formular above;

Degree of unsaturation = [ 2(5) + 2 - 6] / 2

Degree of unsaturation = [ 12 - 6 ] / 2 = 3

(b) C10H6Cl2

Using the formular above;

Degree of unsaturation = [ 2(10) + 2 - 6 -2 ] / 2

Degree of unsaturation = [ 22 - 8 ] / 2 = 7

(c) C4H3NO

Using the formular above;

Degree of unsaturation = [ 2(4) + 2 - 3 -1 ] / 2

Degree of unsaturation = [ 10 - 4 ] / 2 = 3

Note: Oxygen is ignored because its presence has no effect on the degree of unsaturation.