C15H28

C15H28 is a molecular formula used to describe hydrocarbons that contain 15 carbon atoms and 28 hydrogen atoms. The formula alone does not specify a unique compound; many structural isomers share this exact composition, ranging from acyclic to cyclic and from saturated to unsaturated forms.

The degree of unsaturation for C15H28 is 2, calculated by the formula DU = (2C + 2 − H)/2 (assuming no halogens or nitrogens). A DU value of 2 accommodates several structural possibilities: a molecule containing one alkyne (a triple bond), a diene (two carbon–carbon double bonds) with no rings, a monocyclic compound with one double bond, or a bicyclic saturated framework (two rings) with no pi bonds, among other arrangements. Consequently, C15H28 encompasses a variety of isomeric families, each with distinct physical properties.

Representative classes compatible with this formula include acyclic alkynes, acyclic dienes, monocyclic alkenes, and bicyclic saturated hydrocarbons. The exact constitution and geometry of the carbon skeleton—such as branching, ring size, and the location of multiple bonds—significantly influence properties such as boiling point, melting point, solubility, and density.

Molar mass for C15H28 is approximately 208.4 g/mol. Because many isomers share the same formula but differ in structure, precise physical properties are determined by the specific isomer. In practice, identifying a particular C15H28 compound requires spectroscopic data (such as NMR, IR, and mass spectrometry) and appropriate chemical naming.

In summary, C15H28 denotes a hydrocarbon formula with two degrees of unsaturation, representing a family of possible structures rather than a singleDefined compound.