orgo compound/formula

[userah]

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hey guys. I've been going over exams and looking at practice questions and i've come across a few questions that are phrased in the following manner.

How many distinct organic compounds have the molecular formula CxHy

My question is, is there any other method besides trying to actually sit there and draw these molecules out? I imagine there should be some short cut as it really is a giant waste of a question to make you sit there and draw all the different organic compounds that are possible for a specific formula...

please and thank you 😀

 

[doc3232]

I remember in Chem 2c, a long time ago. There was a question on this on our midterm, we knew he would put it so we practiced a lot. Eventually I understood a trend of hydrocarbons and you are able to draw them fast enough without missing too many. Basically, I wouldn't say there is a easy method to doing it. Just start drawing IMO.

 

[userah]

mm i was afraid you would say that haha. well orgo is currently my best section so if worse comes to worst, i should have enough time to figure out all the compounds. thanks for the reply =)

 

[Ghettob1aster]

Assembling them yourself is the only way to do it, unfortunately.