Created By : Rina Nayak

Reviewed By : Phani Ponnapalli

Last Updated : Apr 27, 2023


The Degree of Unsaturation Calculator is a free online tool that calculates the degree of unsaturation for any chemical formula. The online degree of unsaturation calculator tool speeds up the calculation and displays the unsaturation degree in a matter of seconds.

Chemical Name:
Degree Of Unsaturation:

What does Degree of Unsaturation Mean?

The sum of the number of rings involved plus the total number of multiple bonds present in an organic compound is known as the Degree of Unsaturation. The degree of unsaturation formula is provided by Degree of Unsaturation = (Total Number of Double Bonds) + (2 x Total Number of Triple Bonds) + (Total Number of Rings)

The tetravalency of carbon is used to calculate the degree of unsaturation of an organic molecule. Any compound with two hydrogens less than the maximum number possible (2n+2) must have one ring or one double bond in its chemical formula.

How to find the Degree of Unsaturation?

The number of carbon atoms (C), nitrogen atoms (N), halogen atoms (X), and hydrogen atoms (H) are all used as input numbers in the degree of unsaturation formula. These values can be simply calculated using the compound's molecular formula. The formula for calculating the degree of unsaturation is as follows:

DU = ((2C + 2)+ N - X - H) divided by 2

The input values represent the number of hydrogen atoms that must be present in order for a chemical to be categorised as saturated. A saturated molecule has no rings and just single bonds. In other words, in an acyclic alkane form, a saturated form of a hydrocarbon will have the most hydrogen atoms.

As a result, the 2C + 2 in the formula represents the total number of hydrogen atoms that should be bonded to the saturated carbon atoms, whereas H represents the number of hydrogen atoms existing in the compound. The value of halogen atoms (X) is subtracted since it substitutes for an equal amount of hydrogen atoms, i.e. one halogen atom for one hydrogen atom.

Aside from that, nitrogen attracts additional hydrogen atoms, which increases the value. Sulphur and oxygen do not appear to have any effect on a compound's saturation status.

The data derived from the degree of unsaturation can be summarised as follows: 1 DU value equals 1 ring or 1 double bond. The minimal DU value for a triple bond is 2.

Examples on finding Degree of Unsaturation

Example 1:

Calculate benzene's degree of unsaturation?

Solution:

One ring and three double bonds make up benzene, a cyclic molecule. As a result, benzene has the following degree of unsaturation:

Unsaturation degree = 3 + 0+ 1= 4

Example 2:

Determine the degree of unsaturation for a molecule with the chemical formula C3H4?

Solution:

C3H4 is the provided formula. Because there is no nitrogen or halogen in the formula, the degree of unsaturation is lowered to:

DU = (2C + 2 - H)/2

The elongated saturated version of a chemical with the above molecular formula will have a total of 2C + 2 hydrogen atoms. As a result, this number is 8.

The difference among the expected and actual number of hydrogen atoms is equal to 8 - 4. As a result, the molecule requires four more hydrogen atoms to reach saturation. The value derived as the degree of unsaturation from the degree of unsaturation formula for this chemical is:

DU = 4/2 = 2

As a result, the given compound can have one ring and one double bond, two rings and no double bonds, zero rings and two double bonds, or only one triple bond.

How to Use Degree of Unsaturation Calculator?

The following steps will determine how to use the degree of unsaturation calculator:

  • In the input field, type the molecular formula.
  • To acquire the result, click the "Calculate Degree of Unsaturation" button.
  • Finally, in the output field, the degree of unsaturation for the specified chemical formula will be presented.

If you would like to learn more about the other chemical calculator that gives instant results, stay tuned to Chemistrycalculatorpro.Com

FAQ’s on Degree of Unsaturation Calculator

1. What can you deduce from the degree of unsaturation?

The degree of unsaturation reflects the overall amount of pi bonds and rings within a molecule, making molecular structure determination easier.


2. What is the significance of the degree of unsaturation?

In organic chemistry, the degree of unsaturation formula (also known as the index of hydrogen deficiency (IHD) or rings plus double bonds) is used to aid in the drawing of chemical structures. The formula allows the user to calculate the number of rings, double bonds, and triple bonds in the compounds to be drawn.


3. Is it possible to have a negative unsaturation degree?

No, a -Negative amount of Degrees of Unsaturation is never possible. Greater (greater) than Zero 0.


4. What is the maximum number of stereoisomers that can be produced?

One pair of enantiomers (A and B) and an achiral molecule C, known as a "meso complex," are potential stereoisomers. An achiral molecule with a stereogenic atom is known as a meso compound.