Question

Why does propane give two alkyl groups whereas ethane only one?

Answer 1

Hi there,

Ethane is a linear Compound with Chemical Formula C2H6 whereas Propane has Chemical Formula C3H8. Even after the replacement of Hydrogen to form an alkyl Group, the Compound will remain Same.

In Propane, we can remove the Hydrogen bonded to the Central Carbon Atom to get another alkyl Group. The availability of Hydrogen Atoms at both end and Central Carbon Atom which Give rise to more than one Alkyl Group.

Hope it helped.