Which molecular formula corresponds to pentene?

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Multiple Choice

Which molecular formula corresponds to pentene?

Explanation:
In open-chain hydrocarbons with one double bond, the formula follows CnH2n. Pentene has five carbon atoms, so it must have 2×5 = 10 hydrogens, giving C5H10. The double bond reduces hydrogen count by 2 compared with the fully saturated five-carbon alkane, which would be C5H12, so pentene isn’t that. Pentene can exist as different isomers (pent-1-ene, pent-2-ene), but all share the same formula, C5H10. The other options don’t have five carbons, so they don’t match pentene.

In open-chain hydrocarbons with one double bond, the formula follows CnH2n. Pentene has five carbon atoms, so it must have 2×5 = 10 hydrogens, giving C5H10. The double bond reduces hydrogen count by 2 compared with the fully saturated five-carbon alkane, which would be C5H12, so pentene isn’t that. Pentene can exist as different isomers (pent-1-ene, pent-2-ene), but all share the same formula, C5H10. The other options don’t have five carbons, so they don’t match pentene.

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