Question

The number of \(\mathrm{N}-\mathrm{CH}_{2}-\mathrm{N}\) bonds in urotropine is

Short answer

There are 6 \(\mathrm{N}{-}\mathrm{CH}_2{-}\mathrm{N}\) bonds in urotropine.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Urotropine's Structure

Urotropine, also known as hexamethylenetetramine, has the molecular formula \((CH_2)_6N_4\). It forms a cage structure with nitrogen atoms at the corners of an octahedron connected by methylene groups, \(CH_2\).

Analyze the Bonding Pattern

Each methylene group \((CH_2)\) connects two nitrogen corners of the octahedron. Therefore, to find the number of \(\mathrm{N}{-}\mathrm{CH}_2{-}\mathrm{N}\) links, we need to count how many methylene bridges are present.

Count the Methylene Bridges

There are six \((CH_2)\) groups and each forms a bridge between two nitrogen atoms, creating an \(\mathrm{N}{-}\mathrm{CH}_2{-}\mathrm{N}\) bond. Hence, there are 6 such bonds in total.

Key concepts

Urotropine

Urotropine, also known as hexamethylenetetramine, is an organic compound with a fascinating structure and diverse applications. It has the chemical formula \((CH_2)_6N_4\) and is known for its stable, cage-like arrangement. This structure forms due to the arrangement of its nitrogen atoms: they lie at the corners of an octahedron, a geometric shape with eight faces. These nitrogen atoms are linked by six methylene groups \((CH_2)\), creating a three-dimensional network that resembles a cage.

• Urotropine is commonly used as a urinary antiseptic due to its ability to release formaldehyde, which exerts antibacterial action in acidic urine.
• It also serves as a precursor for the production of explosive compounds and is utilized as a fuel tablet for camping stoves.

Understanding Urotropine's structure is vital for grasping its chemical behavior and interactions. Its cage-like form contributes to its stability and functionality across various applications.

Methylene Bridge

The methylene bridge is a crucial structural unit in Urotropine, connecting nitrogen atoms in the molecule. A methylene group, denoted as \((CH_2)\), acts as a linker and is fundamental to the formation of the compound's cage-like structure. In the context of Urotropine, each methylene bridge connects two nitrogen atoms, thereby contributing to the molecule’s overall integrity and stability.These bridges play an essential role in:

• Creating bonds between the nitrogen atoms at the cage's corners.
• Forming the six-paneled envelope that constitutes Urotropine’s octahedral assembly.

Without these methylene bridges, the characteristic framework of Urotropine would not be possible, highlighting their importance in the molecular architecture.
Furthermore, these bridges influence how the molecule interacts with its surroundings, impacting its chemical and physical properties.

N-CH2-N Bond

The \(\mathrm{N{-}CH_2{-}N}\) bond is a key feature in Urotropine's structure and is formed by the connection of nitrogen and methylene groups \((CH_2)\). Each methylene group serves as a bridge between two nitrogen atoms. Therefore, each \(\mathrm{N{-}CH_2{-}N}\) bond represents one methylene bridge.

• In Urotropine, there are six methylene groups, leading to six \(\mathrm{N{-}CH_2{-}N}\) bonds in total.
• These bonds are integral to maintaining Urotropine's octahedral structure.

Understanding these bonds is essential because they represent the primary interactions that glue the nitrogen framework together, showing how the specific pattern of linking contributes to the molecule’s stability. Each of these bonds is identical in Urotropine’s symmetric structure, ensuring its uniformity and robustness.

Chemical Bonding Pattern

Chemical bonding patterns within Urotropine are noteworthy due to their three-dimensional, symmetrical arrangement. The bonding pattern is defined by the connection of methylene bridges \((CH_2)\) between nitrogen atoms, establishing a cage-like structure.This pattern can be summarized by the following key points:

• The octahedral arrangement of nitrogen atoms forms the framework of the molecule.
• Methylene groups link these nitrogen atoms, establishing multiple \(\mathrm{N{-}CH_2{-}N}\) bonds.
• This pattern contributes to the molecule's stability, as these bonds distribute forces evenly throughout the structure.

The chemical bonding pattern in Urotropine exemplifies how molecular architecture deeply influences chemical properties and functionality. Studying this pattern allows for a deeper understanding of how molecules maintain their shapes and interact within different chemical systems.