Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary Hydrogen Atoms in Isobutane

Isobutane, also known as 2-methylpropane, is an organic compound with the molecular formula C₄H₁₀. It is an alkane that consists of four carbon atoms bonded together in a branched structure, with ten hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atoms. To determine the number of primary, secondary, and tertiary hydrogen atoms in isobutane, we need to understand the concept of primary, secondary, and tertiary carbons.

Carbon Classification:
In organic chemistry, carbon atoms can be classified as primary (1°), secondary (2°), tertiary (3°), or quaternary (4°) based on the number of carbon atoms directly bonded to them.

Primary Carbon:
A primary carbon is bonded to only one other carbon atom, also known as a methyl group (─CH₃). In isobutane, there are three primary carbons.

Secondary Carbon:
A secondary carbon is bonded to two other carbon atoms. In isobutane, there is one secondary carbon.

Tertiary Carbon:
A tertiary carbon is bonded to three other carbon atoms. In isobutane, there are no tertiary carbons.

Determining Hydrogen Atoms:
Once we know the classification of the carbon atoms, we can determine the number of primary, secondary, and tertiary hydrogen atoms based on their attachment to the respective carbon atoms.

Primary Hydrogen Atoms:
Each primary carbon atom is attached to three hydrogen atoms. Therefore, the total number of primary hydrogen atoms in isobutane is 3 (primary carbons) × 3 (hydrogen atoms per primary carbon) = 9 primary hydrogen atoms.

Secondary Hydrogen Atoms:
Each secondary carbon atom is attached to two hydrogen atoms. In isobutane, there is one secondary carbon, so the total number of secondary hydrogen atoms is 1 (secondary carbon) × 2 (hydrogen atoms per secondary carbon) = 2 secondary hydrogen atoms.

Tertiary Hydrogen Atoms:
As there are no tertiary carbon atoms in isobutane, there are no tertiary hydrogen atoms present.

Summary:
In conclusion, isobutane (C₄H₁₀) contains 9 primary hydrogen atoms, 2 secondary hydrogen atoms, and no tertiary hydrogen atoms. Understanding the classification of carbon atoms and their corresponding hydrogen atoms helps in analyzing the structure and properties of organic compounds.