Chain

Name:
Chain
Detailed information:
A series of atoms of a particular element directly connected by chemical bonds, which constitutes the structural configuration of a compound. Such chains are usually composed of carbon atoms and are often shown without their accompanying hydrogen. Carbon chains may be of the following types:(1) Open or straight chain: a sequence of carbon atoms extending in a direct line, characteristic of paraffins and olefins, the former being saturated

and the latter unsaturated:.



(2) Branched chain: a linear series of carbon atoms occurring in paraffinic hydrocarbons and some alcohols that is isomeric with its straight chain counterpart and has a subordinate chain of one or more carbon atoms:



(3) Closed chain or ring: a cyclic arrangement of carbon atoms giving a closed geometric structure, i.e., a pentagon or other form, characteristics of alicyclic, aromatic, and heterocyclic compounds.See Cyclic Compound. (4) Side chain: a group of atoms attached to one or more of the locations in a cyclic or heterocyclic compound, e.g., tryptophan: