Question

Draw the condensed structural formula of each of the following: a. ethyl alcohol b. 3-methyl-1-butanol c. propyl alcohol

Short answer

a. \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\) b. \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}(\text{CH}_3)\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\) c. \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\)

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Structure of Ethyl Alcohol

Ethyl alcohol, also known as ethanol, has the chemical formula \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\). It consists of a two-carbon chain with a hydroxyl group (OH) attached to the second carbon.

Draw the Condensed Structural Formula for Ethyl Alcohol

The condensed structural formula for ethyl alcohol is \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\).

Identify the Structure of 3-Methyl-1-Butanol

3-Methyl-1-butanol has a four-carbon parent chain with a hydroxyl group on the first carbon and a methyl group attached to the third carbon.

Draw the Condensed Structural Formula for 3-Methyl-1-Butanol

The condensed structural formula for 3-Methyl-1-Butanol is \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}(\text{CH}_3)\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\).

Identify the Structure of Propyl Alcohol

Propyl alcohol, also known as 1-propanol, has the chemical formula \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\). It consists of a three-carbon chain with a hydroxyl group attached to the first carbon.

Draw the Condensed Structural Formula for Propyl Alcohol

The condensed structural formula for propyl alcohol is \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\).

Key concepts

organic chemistry

Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the structure, properties, and reactions of compounds that contain carbon. Carbon is special because it has the ability to form stable bonds with many elements, including itself. This leads to a vast variety of organic compounds with different structures and functionalities.

Organic chemistry is essential in fields like pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and petrochemicals. It explains how molecules interact in living organisms and helps in the synthesis of new compounds for various applications. By understanding organic chemistry, you can appreciate the complex nature of materials and reactions in everyday life.

alcohols

Alcohols are a class of organic compounds characterized by the presence of a hydroxyl group \((OH)\) bonded to a carbon atom. The general formula for alcohols is \(\text{C}_n\text{H}_{2n+1}\text{OH}\), where \(\text{n}\) is the number of carbon atoms.

Some common features of alcohols:

• They can be classified as primary (1°), secondary (2°), or tertiary (3°), depending on the number of carbon atoms attached to the carbon bearing the hydroxyl group.
• They exhibit properties like hydrogen bonding, making them more soluble in water compared to hydrocarbons of similar molecular weight.
• Alcohols can participate in various chemical reactions, including oxidation, esterification, and nucleophilic substitution.

Here are examples of different alcohols and their condensed structural formulas:

• Ethyl Alcohol (Ethanol): \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\).
• 3-Methyl-1-Butanol: \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}(\text{CH}_3)\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\).
• Propyl Alcohol (1-Propanol): \(\text{CH}_3\text{CH}_2\text{CH}_2\text{OH}\).

hydroxyl group

The hydroxyl group \((OH)\) is a functional group consisting of one oxygen atom bonded to one hydrogen atom. In organic chemistry, it is a key feature of alcohols. The presence of a hydroxyl group can significantly affect the compound's physical and chemical properties.

Some characteristics of hydroxyl groups:

• They are polar, which means they can form hydrogen bonds with water and other molecules. This is why alcohols are generally soluble in water.
• They can make alcohols slightly acidic. Alcohols can donate a proton (H⁺) from the hydroxyl group, forming an alkoxide ion (R-O^-).
• They are reactive and can be involved in a variety of chemical reactions. For example, the hydroxyl group can be converted to other functional groups in substitution reactions.

Understanding the role of hydroxyl groups helps in predicting the behavior of alcohols in different environments and reactions.