Hydrocarbons — NCERT Solutions
CBSE · Class 11 · Chemistry
NCERT Solutions for Hydrocarbons, CBSE Class 11 Chemistry: 25 textbook questions solved step by step. Covers Exercises.
Interactive on Super Tutor
Studying Hydrocarbons? Get the full interactive chapter.
Quizzes, flashcards, AI doubt-solver and a step-by-step study plan — built for NCERT solutions and more.
Free trial, no card needed.
The first 13 solutions are open to read. The other 12 are free with a Super Tutor account.
Exercises
9.1How do you account for the formation of ethane during chlorination of methane?Show solution
Given: Chlorination of methane (free radical reaction).
Concept: Chlorination of methane proceeds via a free radical chain mechanism involving initiation, propagation, and termination steps.
Explanation:
During the chlorination of methane, methyl free radicals () are produced in the propagation step:
In the termination step, two methyl free radicals can combine to form ethane:
This coupling of two methyl radicals during the termination step accounts for the formation of ethane as a by-product during the chlorination of methane.
9.2Write IUPAC names of the following compounds:
(a) CH₃CH=C(CH₃)₂
(b) CH₂=CH–C≡C–CH₃
(c) CH₃CH=CH–CH₂–CH=CH–CH–CH₂–CH=CH₂ (with C₂H₅ substituent)
(d) CH₃(CH₂)₄CH(CH₂)₃CH₃
(e)/(g) CH₃CH=CH–CH₂–CH=CH–CH–CH₂–CH=CH₂ with C₂H₅Show solution
Given: Various structural formulas.
(a)
The longest chain containing the double bond has 4 carbons (but-2-ene backbone). The double bond is between C-2 and C-3. There is a methyl group on C-3 (since C-3 already has two methyls — one from the chain and one substituent).
Actually, numbering:
- Longest chain: C1–C2=C3–C4 → but-2-ene
- Methyl substituent at C-3
IUPAC Name: 2-Methylbut-2-ene
(b)
Longest chain = 5 carbons with both a double bond (C1=C2) and a triple bond (C3≡C4).
- Name: pent-1-en-3-yne
IUPAC Name: Pent-1-en-3-yne
(c) (as written in OCR — this appears to be an enol, but since the chapter is hydrocarbons, this may be a misprint. Taking the structure as given:)
If the structure is , it is an enol (not a hydrocarbon). However, if interpreted as (propene), the IUPAC name would be Prop-1-ene. Since the OCR shows , this is likely Propen-1-ol (prop-1-en-3-ol or prop-2-en-1-ol depending on numbering), but as it falls outside pure hydrocarbons, we note:
IUPAC Name: Prop-1-en-1-ol (if taken literally; likely a misprint in the source for , i.e., Propene)
(d) — with a branch
Expanding:
The main chain: count the longest continuous chain. The molecule is a decane with a branch. Looking at the structure :
- One side of the branch: = 5 carbons (C1–C5)
- Branch carbon: C6
- Other side: = 4 carbons (C7–C10)
- Total longest chain = 10 carbons → decane
- The branch at C6 would be... wait, there is no substituent shown explicitly. The structure as written seems to be a straight chain of 10 carbons: = decane.
If there is a methyl branch (from the image not visible), assuming the structure is 5-methylnonane or similar. Based on the OCR text with an implied substituent from the image:
IUPAC Name: Decane (if no branch) or most likely 5-Methylnonane if a methyl group is at C-5 (from the figure).
(e)/(g)
Longest chain containing all three double bonds:
- Numbering the chain:
- Main chain = 10 carbons with double bonds at C2, C5, C9 (numbering from the end) or C1, C4, C8 from the other end.
- Substituent: (ethyl) at C-7 (if numbered from end giving lower locants to double bonds).
Double bonds at positions 2, 5, 9 from the end:
- Locant set: {2, 5, 9}
From the other end: {2, 6, 9} — compare: 2=2, 5<6, so number from end.
IUPAC Name: 7-Ethyldeca-2,5,9-triene
9.3For the following compounds, write structural formulas and IUPAC names for all possible isomers having the number of double or triple bond as indicated:
(a) C₄H₈ (one double bond)
(b) C₅H₈ (one triple bond)Show solution
Given: Molecular formulas with specified degree of unsaturation.
(a) — one double bond (alkenes)
General formula for alkene: ; for : ✓
All possible structural isomers (open chain only, as cyclobutane also fits but is cyclic):
1. But-1-ene:
IUPAC Name: But-1-ene
2. But-2-ene:
IUPAC Name: But-2-ene
3. 2-Methylprop-1-ene (Isobutylene):
IUPAC Name: 2-Methylprop-1-ene
(Note: But-2-ene also has cis and trans geometric isomers, but they have the same structural formula.)
(b) — one triple bond (alkynes)
General formula for alkyne: ; for : ✓
1. Pent-1-yne:
IUPAC Name: Pent-1-yne
2. Pent-2-yne:
IUPAC Name: Pent-2-yne
3. 3-Methylbut-1-yne:
IUPAC Name: 3-Methylbut-1-yne
9.4Write IUPAC names of the products obtained by the ozonolysis of the following compounds:
(i) Pent-2-ene
(ii) 3,4-Dimethylhept-3-ene
(iii) 2-Ethylbut-1-ene
(iv) 1-Phenylbut-1-eneShow solution
Concept: Ozonolysis cleaves the C=C double bond. Each carbon of the double bond becomes a carbonyl carbon. If the carbon has one H attached, it gives an aldehyde; if no H, it gives a ketone.
(i) Pent-2-ene:
Cleavage at C2=C3:
- C1–C2 fragment: → Ethanal
- C3–C5 fragment: → Propanal
Products: Ethanal and Propanal
(ii) 3,4-Dimethylhept-3-ene:
Cleavage at C3=C4:
- C1–C3 fragment: → Butan-2-one (methyl ethyl ketone)
- C4–C7 fragment: → Pentan-2-one
Products: Butan-2-one and Pentan-2-one
(iii) 2-Ethylbut-1-ene:
Cleavage at C1=C2:
- C1 fragment: → Methanal (Formaldehyde)
- C2–C6 fragment: → Both groups on C2 are ethyl, giving Pentan-3-one
Products: Methanal and Pentan-3-one
(iv) 1-Phenylbut-1-ene:
Cleavage at C1=C2:
- side: → Benzaldehyde
- Other fragment: → Propanal
Products: Benzaldehyde and Propanal
9.5An alkene 'A' on ozonolysis gives a mixture of ethanal and pentan-3-one. Write structure and IUPAC name of 'A'.Show solution
Given: Ozonolysis of alkene A gives:
- Ethanal: (C2 aldehyde — the carbon bearing H came from one side of the double bond)
- Pentan-3-one: (C5 ketone — the carbonyl carbon had no H, so it was internal)
Concept: In ozonolysis, the two carbonyl compounds formed come from the two carbons of the C=C bond. Reconnect the carbonyl carbons with a double bond to get the original alkene.
Reconstruction:
- Ethanal: → contributes
- Pentan-3-one: → contributes ...
Wait — pentan-3-one is , so the carbonyl C is C3, flanked by ethyl groups. This means the double bond carbon from pentan-3-one side had two ethyl groups → it is ... but that gives 5 carbons on one side.
Actually pentan-3-one: . The C=O carbon (C3) had an ethyl group on each side. So in the alkene, this carbon was with one ethyl on the chain side.
Reconnecting:
This is:
Longest chain containing the double bond:
- C1:
- C2:
- C3:
- C4:
- C5: (from the ethyl on C3)
- Branch: (ethyl) at C3
Longest chain = hex-2-ene backbone? Let's count:
- If we take the chain through C3 and the ethyl: = 5 carbons (pent-2-ene) with ethyl at C3.
- Or take the longer path: ... no, the ethyl is .
Longest chain = 5 carbons: → 3-Ethylpent-2-ene
Structure of A:
IUPAC Name: 3-Ethylpent-2-ene
9.6An alkene 'A' contains three C–C, eight C–H σ bonds and one C=C π bond. 'A' on ozonolysis gives two moles of an aldehyde of molar mass 44 u. Write IUPAC name of 'A'.Show solution
Given:
- Alkene A: 3 C–C σ bonds, 8 C–H σ bonds, 1 C=C π bond
- Ozonolysis gives 2 mol of same aldehyde with molar mass = 44 u
Step 1: Find the aldehyde.
Molar mass of aldehyde = 44 u
If aldehyde is :
So aldehyde = = Ethanal (), molar mass = ✓
Step 2: Reconstruct alkene A.
Since ozonolysis gives 2 moles of ethanal, both carbons of the double bond must give . This means:
So A = But-2-ene:
Step 3: Verify bond count for but-2-ene.
- C–C σ bonds: C1–C2, C2=C3 (σ part), C3–C4 → 3 C–C σ bonds ✓
- C–H σ bonds: 3(C1) + 1(C2) + 1(C3) + 3(C4) = 8 C–H bonds ✓
- C=C π bond: 1 ✓
IUPAC Name of A: But-2-ene
9.7Propanal and pentan-3-one are the ozonolysis products of an alkene. What is the structural formula of the alkene?Show solution
Given: Ozonolysis products are:
- Propanal: (aldehyde, so the double bond carbon had one H)
- Pentan-3-one: (ketone, so the double bond carbon had no H)
Concept: Reconnect the two carbonyl carbons with a C=C double bond.
- From propanal: (C3 of propanal becomes one end of double bond)
- From pentan-3-one: ...
Pentan-3-one: . The carbonyl carbon (C3) is flanked by two ethyl groups. In the alkene, this becomes .
Structural formula of alkene:
This is:
Verification by ozonolysis:
- Left fragment: = Propanal ✓
- Right fragment: = Pentan-3-one ✓
IUPAC Name: 3-Ethylpent-2-ene
Structural Formula:
9.8Write chemical equations for combustion reaction of the following hydrocarbons:
(i) Butane
(ii) Pentene
(iii) Hexyne
(iv) TolueneShow solution
Concept: Complete combustion of hydrocarbons in excess oxygen produces and .
General equation:
(i) Butane ():
(ii) Pentene ():
(iii) Hexyne ():
(iv) Toluene ():
9.9Draw the cis and trans structures of hex-2-ene. Which isomer will have higher b.p. and why?Show solution
Given: Hex-2-ene:
Cis-hex-2-ene (both larger groups on same side):
In cis isomer: and are on the same side of the double bond.
Trans-hex-2-ene (larger groups on opposite sides):
In trans isomer: and are on opposite sides.
Which has higher boiling point?
Cis-hex-2-ene has a higher boiling point.
Reason: The cis isomer is a polar molecule (the bond dipoles do not cancel), resulting in a net dipole moment. This leads to stronger intermolecular dipole–dipole interactions, requiring more energy to overcome. The trans isomer is non-polar (dipoles cancel due to symmetry), so it has weaker intermolecular forces and a lower boiling point.
9.10Why is benzene extraordinarily stable though it contains three double bonds?Show solution
Answer:
Benzene () is extraordinarily stable due to the phenomenon of resonance (delocalization of π electrons).
Reasons for extra stability:
- Resonance/Delocalization: Benzene cannot be represented by a single Kekulé structure. The six π electrons are completely delocalized over all six carbon atoms forming a continuous ring of electron cloud above and below the plane of the ring. This delocalization lowers the energy of the molecule significantly.
- Resonance Energy: The actual benzene is more stable than either of the two Kekulé structures by about 150 kJ/mol. This extra stability is called the resonance energy or delocalization energy.
- Equal Bond Lengths: All C–C bond lengths in benzene are equal (139 pm), intermediate between a C–C single bond (154 pm) and C=C double bond (134 pm), confirming complete delocalization.
- Hückel's Rule: Benzene has electrons with (i.e., electrons), satisfying the aromaticity criterion, which confers special stability.
Due to this aromatic stability, benzene prefers electrophilic substitution over addition reactions, as substitution preserves the aromatic system.
9.11What are the necessary conditions for any system to be aromatic?Show solution
Necessary conditions for aromaticity (Hückel's criteria):
A compound is said to be aromatic if it satisfies all of the following conditions:
- Planarity: The molecule must be planar (all atoms in the ring lie in the same plane).
- Complete conjugation: The molecule must have a completely conjugated system of electrons (every atom in the ring must have a -orbital participating in conjugation — i.e., continuous cyclic conjugation).
- Hückel's Rule — electrons: The cyclic conjugated system must contain electrons, where (a whole number).
- For : electrons (e.g., cyclopropenyl cation)
- For : electrons (e.g., benzene)
- For : electrons (e.g., naphthalene)
Summary: A compound is aromatic if it is cyclic, planar, completely conjugated, and has electrons.
9.12Explain why the following systems are not aromatic:
(i) Cyclopentadiene (a five-membered ring with one sp³ CH₂ group)
(ii) A system with 8π electrons (cyclooctatetraene type)
(iii) A bicyclic or cross-conjugated systemShow solution
Note: The actual structures in (i), (ii), and (iii) are from figures not fully visible in the OCR. Based on standard NCERT content for this question, the three systems are:
- (i) Cyclopenta-1,3-diene (cyclopentadiene)
- (ii) Cycloocta-1,3,5,7-tetraene (cyclooctatetraene, COT)
- (iii) A cyclopropenyl anion or a non-planar system
Standard NCERT answer:
(i) Cyclopenta-1,3-diene:
This molecule has a group in the ring. The carbon of is hybridized and does not have a -orbital available for conjugation. Therefore, the electron system is not continuous/not completely conjugated. Since one of the necessary conditions for aromaticity (complete conjugation) is not met, it is not aromatic.
(ii) Cycloocta-1,3,5,7-tetraene (COT):
COT has electrons. According to Hückel's rule, an aromatic compound must have electrons. For electrons: , which is not a whole number. Therefore, COT does not satisfy Hückel's rule. Also, COT is tub-shaped (non-planar), so it is not aromatic (it is anti-aromatic if forced planar, with electrons where ).
(iii) The third system (likely a charged or bicyclic system):
If it is a system where the ring is not planar or the -orbitals cannot overlap continuously, then the condition of planarity and/or complete conjugation is violated. Without continuous overlap of -orbitals, delocalization is not possible, and the compound is not aromatic.
Conclusion: All three systems fail to satisfy one or more of the necessary conditions for aromaticity: planarity, complete conjugation, and electrons.
9.13How will you convert benzene into:
(i) p-nitrobromobenzene
(ii) m-nitrochlorobenzene
(iii) p-nitrotoluene
(iv) acetophenone?Show solution
Concept: Electrophilic aromatic substitution. The order of substitution matters because the first substituent directs the second.
(i) p-Nitrobromobenzene:
Bromine is an ortho/para director. Nitro group is a meta director.
To get the para product, first introduce (o/p director), then nitrate:
Step 1: Bromination of benzene
Step 2: Nitration of bromobenzene (Br directs NO₂ to ortho/para; separate para product)
Product: p-Nitrobromobenzene
(ii) m-Nitrochlorobenzene:
To get meta product, we need a meta director already present. is a meta director.
Step 1: Nitration of benzene
Step 2: Chlorination of nitrobenzene ( directs to meta position)
Product: m-Nitrochlorobenzene
(iii) p-Nitrotoluene:
is an ortho/para director.
Step 1: Friedel-Crafts alkylation of benzene
Step 2: Nitration of toluene ( directs to ortho/para; separate para product)
Product: p-Nitrotoluene
(iv) Acetophenone ():
Friedel-Crafts acylation:
Or using acetic anhydride:
Product: Acetophenone
Free with a Super Tutor account
Free with a Super Tutor account
Free with a Super Tutor account
Free with a Super Tutor account
Free with a Super Tutor account
Free with a Super Tutor account
(i) Ethyne
(ii) Ethene
(iii) Hexane
Free with a Super Tutor account
Free with a Super Tutor account
(a) Chlorobenzene, 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene, p-nitrochlorobenzene
(b) Toluene, p-H₃C–C₆H₄–NO₂, p-O₂N–C₆H₄–NO₂
Free with a Super Tutor account
Free with a Super Tutor account
Free with a Super Tutor account
Free with a Super Tutor account
12 more solved questions in Hydrocarbons
They are free with a Super Tutor account, along with practice quizzes and flashcards for this chapter. Free to start, no card needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the important topics in Hydrocarbons for CBSE Class 11 Chemistry?
Are these NCERT Solutions for Hydrocarbons free?
How should I revise Hydrocarbons for Class 11 exams?
Sources & Official References
- NCERT Official — ncert.nic.in
- CBSE Academic — cbseacademic.nic.in
- CBSE Official — cbse.gov.in
- National Education Policy 2020 — education.gov.in
Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.
More resources for Hydrocarbons
Practice Quiz
Test yourself with a quick quiz
Important Questions
Exam-style questions with answers
Revision Notes
Key points for last-minute revision
Formula Sheet
The chapter's formulas in one place
Chapter Summary
Understand the chapter at a glance
Concept Maps
See how topics connect
Study Plan
Step-by-step plan for this chapter
Flashcards
Quick-fire cards for active recall
Syllabus
What topics to cover
For serious students
Get the full Hydrocarbons chapter — start free.
Quizzes, flashcards, an AI doubt solver and a study plan for CBSE Class 11 Chemistry. Free to start, no card needed.