Straight, Branched & Cyclic Molecules
- Straight, branched and cyclic organic molecules are also called aliphatic compounds as long as they do not contain a benzene ring
Straight-chain
- Straight-chain organic molecules are those in which the carbon atoms are connected to each other in one continuous chain
A straight-chain organic molecule
Pentane is a straight-chain organic molecule as the carbon atoms are connected in a straight line
Branched
- Branched organic molecules have side groups attached to the main chain of carbon atoms
A branched organic molecule
2-methylbutane is a branched organic molecule as the main chain (consisting of 4 carbon atoms) has a methyl branch
Cyclic
- Cyclic organic molecules are those in which the carbon atoms are connected to each other in a ring shape
A cyclic organic molecule
Cyclopentane is a cyclic organic molecule as the carbons are attached to each other in a ring structure