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The Chemical Educator
ISSN: 1430-4171 (electronic version)
Abstract Volume 18
(2013) pp 038-041
DOI 10.1007/s00897132460a
A Single General Formula for Pure Hydrocarbons
Edward W. Pitzer
School of Mathematics and Sciences, Marian University, Indianapolis, IN 46222, epitzer@marian.edu
Received May 16, 2012. Accepted August 10, 2012.
Published: 22 Febuary 2013
Abstract. In teaching students the general formulae for pure hydrocarbon families, it was noticed that there did not seem to be an accepted general formula for pure aromatic hydrocarbons. A new general formula for pure aromatic hydrocarbons, based on the points of unsaturation, was developed. This general formula solved all of the inconsistencies of the “common” general formulae being used for pure aromatic hydrocarbons noted by the author. Upon close inspection this new pure aromatic general formula was found to work on all of the families of pure hydrocarbons. Hence, a new general formula has been developed for all pure hydrocarbons.
Key Words: In the Classroom; organic chemistry; alkanes; alkenes; alkynes; cycloalkanes; cycloalkenes ;aromatics; points of unsaturation; polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
(*) Corresponding author. (E-mail: epitzer@marian.edu)
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