Question

The odor and taste of pineapples is from ethyl butyrate. What functional group is in ethyl butyrate?

Short answer

The functional group in ethyl butyrate is an ester.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Molecular Structure

Examine the structure of ethyl butyrate, which is composed of the ethyl group \(C_2H_5\) connected to butyrate (butanoate) \(C_3H_7COO\).

Determine the Functional Groups in the Molecule

Break down the molecule to identify common functional groups. The ethyl group is an alkyl group, and the butyrate part contains an ester bond.

Recognize the Ester Functional Group

Identify the ester functional group, represented by the structure \(R-COO-R'\). In ethyl butyrate, the ester bond is present where the ethyl group is connected to the oxygen of the butyrate.

Confirm the Functional Group

Conclude that the functional group present in ethyl butyrate is an ester due to the presence of the \(R-COO-R'\) bond.

Key concepts

ethyl butyrate

Ethyl butyrate is a chemical compound that gives pineapples their characteristic aroma and flavor. This indispensable ester is found in nature and is often used in food flavorings, fragrances, and other applications for its fruity scent. Ethyl butyrate is composed of an ethyl group connected to a butyrate group, forming an ester bond.

functional groups in organic chemistry

In organic chemistry, functional groups are specific groups of atoms that dictate the chemical behavior of molecules. They are the reactive part of the molecule and determine how the molecule will interact in chemical reactions. Common functional groups include hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), amino (-NH2), and ester (-COO-). Recognizing functional groups helps chemists understand reactivity and properties of compounds.

structure of esters

Esters are a type of functional group represented by the structure \( R-COO-R' \). Here, 'R' and 'R'' are alkyl or aryl groups. Esters are formed from the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, releasing water in the process. In the structure of esters, one oxygen is double-bonded to a carbon, while another oxygen is bonded to the carbon and an alkyl group. This specific arrangement gives esters their characteristic properties and aromas.

alkyl groups

Alkyl groups are hydrocarbon fragments derived from alkanes by removing one hydrogen atom. These groups are often denoted by 'R' in chemical formulas. For example, in ethyl butyrate, the ethyl group (\(C_2H_5\)) acts as an alkyl group. Alkyl groups are non-polar and hydrophobic, contributing to the solubility properties and chemical behavior of larger organic molecules. Recognizing alkyl groups in structures aids in understanding the molecule's overall reactivity.

organic chemistry problem solving

Problem-solving in organic chemistry involves a systematic approach to understanding molecular structures and reactions. When solving a problem like identifying the functional group in ethyl butyrate, follow these steps:

• Examine the molecular structure to identify all components.
• Break down the molecule into identifiable parts, such as alkyl groups and functional groups.
• Determine the presence of specific bonds that denote functional groups, like the ester bond in this case.
• Confirm your findings by cross-referencing known functional group structures.

Using this step-by-step approach ensures a clear method to tackle complex organic chemistry problems.