Use cycloalkane molecular models for teaching organic chemistry and biology. Learn about structure, IUPAC naming, conformations, & real-world roles in medicine, biochemistry, & industry
Cycloalkanes are saturated hydrocarbons whose carbon atoms are arranged in a ring, with the general formula CnH2n. Unlike open-chain alkanes, cycloalkanes exhibit unique structural and conformational features such as ring strain that affect their stability and reactivity. In organic chemistry, they provide essential examples for understanding conformational analysis, stereochemistry, and the influence of ring size on chemical properties. In biology, certain cycloalkane derivatives form the structural backbone of steroids, terpenes, and lipid molecules, making them crucial for cell membrane function and hormone activity.
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Compound | Chemistry Focus | Biology / Medicine / Nursing Focus |
---|---|---|
Cyclopropane | Extreme ring strain, high reactivity, example of bent bonds. | Formerly used as an anesthetic; now mainly of historical interest in pharmacology. |
Cyclobutane | Ring strain and conformational flexibility; photochemical reactivity. | Model for DNA cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers formed by UV damage. |
Cyclopentane | Low ring strain; envelope and half-chair conformations. | Structural component in certain natural products and intermediates in biosynthesis. |
Cyclohexane | Chair, boat, and twist conformations; axial/equatorial substituent effects. | Ring structure found in cholesterol, steroid hormones, and many drugs. |
Decalin (Bicyclo[4.4.0]decane) | Example of fused cycloalkanes; cis/trans isomerism in fused systems. | Framework found in terpenes, steroids, and other bioactive compounds. |
You can build basic cyclic alkane structures with the basic Orbit Organic Chemistry Set 68845NV. The 4 molecules depicted in the image are from top left going clockwise: cyclohexane, cyclopentane, cyclobutane and cyclopropane.
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