why is no number used in the names ethene and propene
In ethene, for example, where ELSE would the double bond go except C=C. For propene, it could be C-C=C or C=C-C but both of them are 1-propene. Both structures I have drawn for 1-propene are the same compound.
Well, you see, the numbers must have gotten tired of being multiplied, divided, and added all the time. So, they decided to take a break and let the letters do the talking in names like ethene and propene. They just wanted to sit back, relax, and let the atoms have their moment in the spotlight. Can't blame them, really. #NumberBurnout
The names "ethene" and "propene" are examples of names given to unsaturated hydrocarbons, which are compounds composed only of hydrogen and carbon atoms. These names follow a specific naming convention called the IUPAC system (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry).
In this system, the number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbon chain determines the prefix used in the name. For example, "eth-" is used for two carbon atoms, and "prop-" is used for three carbon atoms.
The ending "-ene" indicates that the hydrocarbon contains a double bond between two carbon atoms. The position of the double bond is determined by numerically designating the carbon atoms involved in the bond using the lowest possible numbers.
Since the presence of a double bond affects the reactivity and chemical properties of the compound, it is essential to include this information in the name. The names "ethene" and "propene" accurately describe these compounds, indicating their presence of a double bond and the number of carbon atoms in their structure.
The names "ethene" and "propene" are used to describe specific chemical compounds known as alkenes. The reason why no number is used in these names is because the position of the double bond, which characterizes alkenes, is implied by their name.
To understand this, let's look at the names in more detail:
1. Ethene: "E" in "ethene" indicates that it has two carbon atoms, and "ene" signifies the presence of a double bond between those carbon atoms. Since there are only two carbon atoms in ethene, the double bond can only exist between those two carbons.
2. Propene: "Prop" in "propene" indicates that it is a three-carbon alkene. Similarly to ethene, the "ene" ending signifies the presence of a double bond. Since there is only one double bond in propene, it is automatically assumed to be between the first and second carbon atoms (the two end carbons) in the chain of three carbons.
In summary, the names ethene and propene are specific enough to imply the position of the double bond based on the number of carbon atoms present in the molecule. However, for compounds with more complex structures, numbers are often used to precisely indicate the location of functional groups or substituents.