Diazepam, marketed as an antianxiety medication under the...

Diazepam, marketed as an antianxiety medication under the name Valium, has three rings, eight double bonds, and the formula $\mathrm{C}_{16} \mathrm{H}_{?} \mathrm{ClN}_{2} \mathrm{O}$. How many hydrogens does diazepam have? (Calculate the answer; don't count hydrogens in the structure.)

Labs

Want to see this concept in action?

NEW

Explore this concept interactively to see how it behaves as you change inputs.

View Labs

Key Concepts

Degree of Unsaturation

This concept represents the total number of rings and multiple bonds (pi bonds) present in a molecule. It is a key tool in determining structural details of organic compounds by comparing the molecule’s formula to that of a fully saturated acyclic hydrocarbon.

Hydrogen Deficiency Index (HDI)

HDI is a calculation used to determine how many pairs of hydrogen atoms are missing from a compound relative to a saturated species. The index is computed using the formula HDI = (2C + 2 + N - H - X)/2, where C, N, and X represent the number of carbons, nitrogens, and halogens, respectively. It is essential for connecting a compound's molecular formula to its structural features such as rings and double bonds.

Incorporating Heteroatoms in Molecular Formulas

When determining the correct number of hydrogens in a molecule, it is important to consider heteroatoms like halogens and nitrogen, as they modify the hydrogen count from what would be expected in a fully saturated carbocycle. Understanding how each heteroatom contributes to the overall formula is crucial for correctly interpreting degrees of unsaturation and identifying missing hydrogens.

Transcript

Please give Ace some feedback