Compared to a hydrocarbon chain where all the carbon atoms are linked by single bonds, a hydrocarbon chain with the same number of carbon atoms, but with one or more double bonds, will
A) be more flexible in structure.
B) be more constrained in structure.
C) be more polar.
D) have more hydrogen atoms.
E) have fewer structurally distinct isomers.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Hydrocarbon chains with double bonds are less flexible than chains with only single bonds. The double bond creates a rigidity in the chain because it does not allow free rotation. As a result, the structure is more constrained. Polar or nonpolar character or the number of hydrogen atoms does not change with double bonds, and the number of structurally distinct isomers may actually increase due to cis-trans isomerism.

Compared to a Hydrocarbon Chain Where All the Carbon Atoms