Questions: Which of the following is a terpene? I II III IV

Transcript text: Which of the following is a terpene? I II III IV

Solution

Solution Steps

Step 1: Understanding Terpenes

Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds produced by a variety of plants, particularly conifers. They are often strong-smelling and may protect the plants that produce them by deterring herbivores and by attracting predators and parasites of herbivores. Terpenes are hydrocarbons and are classified by the number of isoprene units they contain. The basic molecular formula for terpenes is (C5H8)n.

Step 2: Identifying Isoprene Units

An isoprene unit has the molecular formula C5H8. To identify a terpene, we need to look for structures that are multiples of this unit.

Step 3: Analyzing Each Structure

Structure I: This structure has 10 carbon atoms and 16 hydrogen atoms (C10H16), which is a multiple of C5H8 (2 isoprene units).
Structure II: This structure has 10 carbon atoms and 16 hydrogen atoms (C10H16), which is a multiple of C5H8 (2 isoprene units).
Structure III: This structure has 8 carbon atoms and 12 hydrogen atoms (C8H12), which is not a multiple of C5H8.
Structure IV: This structure has 10 carbon atoms and 16 hydrogen atoms (C10H16), which is a multiple of C5H8 (2 isoprene units).