A hydrocarbon compound is calculated to have an Index of Hydrogen Deficiency (IHD) or Degree of Unsa — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question
Question
A hydrocarbon compound is calculated to have an Index of Hydrogen Deficiency (IHD) or Degree of Unsaturation (DU) equal to 2. Which of the following structural features could this compound potentially possess?
💡 Solution & Explanation
The DU value represents the sum of the number of rings and the number of $\pi$ bonds in the molecule. A DU of 2 means the sum must equal 2. This can be achieved structurally via: two separate double bonds ($1+1=2$), one triple bond (contains two $\pi$ bonds = 2), one ring and one double bond ($1+1=2$), or two rings ($1+1=2$). Therefore, all given options are physically possible structural features.