Degree of Unsaturation: 3+ D.U. Indicators

[lexia925]

I know that one degree of unsaturation means that the compound is either a ring or a double bond...and that 2 d. of u. indicates a triple bond. But how do you know what to look for when the d. of u's are 3, 4, 5, or 6? What will they indicate?

 

[chemisttree]

Your assumption that a degreee of unsaturation equal to 2 will indicate a triple bond is not correct. It could indicate a triple bond but it could also indicate two double bonds.