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Chemistry LibreTexts

Degree of Unsaturation

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A number known as degree of unsaturation or index of hydrogen deficiency can be defined for any organic molecule. (In this writing, the symbol x is used to denote degree of unsaturation.)

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(If the molecule is resonance stabilized, this formula applies to the major resonance form.)

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If the structural formula of a compound is not known, but the molecular formula is, the degree of unsaturation of the compound can be calculated using the following general formula.

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(This method is limited to organic compounds containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and halogens, which are the most common elements in naturally occurring organic compounds.)

eg. 1:

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eg. 2:

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eg. 3:

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eg. 4:

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eg. 5:

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eg. 7:

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eg. 8:

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This page titled Degree of Unsaturation is shared under a All Rights Reserved (used with permission) license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Gamini Gunawardena via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.

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