When calculating the Degree of Unsaturation (DU) for a molecule, how are atoms of the oxygen family — Isomerism and Stereochemistry Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Elements of the oxygen family (O, S) are divalent. Inserting a divalent atom between a C-C or C-H bond does not change the total number of hydrogen atoms required to saturate the molecule. Thus, they are completely ignored in the DU formula.