Degree of Unsaturation Calculator
Our organic chemistry calculator computes degree unsaturation accurately. Enter measurements for results with formulas and error analysis.
Reviewed by Manoj Kumar, Mathematics Educator
Formula
DoU = (2C + 2 + N - H - X) / 2
C is the number of carbons, H is hydrogens, N is nitrogens, and X is halogens. Oxygen and sulfur do not appear because they do not change the hydrogen count. Each degree represents one ring or double bond; a triple bond counts as two degrees.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Benzene (C6H6)
Problem:Calculate the degree of unsaturation for benzene with molecular formula C6H6.
Solution:DoU = (2(6) + 2 + 0 - 6 - 0) / 2\nDoU = (12 + 2 - 6) / 2\nDoU = 8 / 2 = 4\n3 double bonds + 1 ring = 4 DoU
Result:DoU = 4 (aromatic ring)
Example 2: Chloroform (CHCl3)
Problem:Calculate the degree of unsaturation for chloroform (CHCl3).
Solution:DoU = (2(1) + 2 + 0 - 1 - 3) / 2\nDoU = (2 + 2 - 1 - 3) / 2\nDoU = 0 / 2 = 0\nFully saturated, no rings or double bonds
Result:DoU = 0 (fully saturated)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the degree of unsaturation?
The degree of unsaturation (DoU), also called the index of hydrogen deficiency or double bond equivalents, is a formula used to determine the number of rings and/or double bonds in a molecular formula. It is calculated as DoU = (2C + 2 + N - H - X) / 2, where C is carbon, H is hydrogen, N is nitrogen, and X is the number of halogens. Each double bond or ring contributes one degree, while a triple bond contributes two degrees of unsaturation.
References
Reviewed by Manoj Kumar, Mathematics Educator · Editorial policy