MECH MONSTER 7

Question 1

describe how to calculate the elements of unsaturation for molecules containing H, N, O, and C.

Answer 1

A saturated carbon chain is of formula C_nH_2n+2. Oxygen is ignored, and a nitrogen counts as half a carbon atom. Elements of unsaturation are counted in units of H₂. Double bonds and rings count as one unit of unsaturation each, and triple bonds count as two units of unsaturation.