JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3nm026
A monocyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (one benzene ring bearing only saturated alkyl substituents) has the general formula CXnHX2n−6 and a molar mass of 134 g/mol (C = 12, H = 1). How many carbon atoms does one molecule contain?
A11
B8
C9
D10
Answer: D
The molar mass is 12n + (2n - 6) = 14n - 6. Setting 14n - 6 = 134 gives 14n = 140 and n = 10. The formula is C10H14 (for example butylbenzene), and its DU = (20 + 2 - 14)/2 = 4, as expected for a benzene ring.