Question

Draw the condensed structural formula for each of the following: a. ethyl methyl ether b. cyclopropyl ethyl ether

Short answer

a. C2H5-O-CH3 b. C3H5-O-C2H5

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Components

Identify the components of each compound. 'Ethyl methyl ether' consists of an ethyl group (C2H5), a methyl group (CH3), and an ether functional group (O). 'Cyclopropyl ethyl ether' consists of a cyclopropyl group (C3H5), an ethyl group (C2H5), and an ether functional group (O).

- Draw Ethyl Methyl Ether

Combine the components of ethyl methyl ether. Connect the ethyl group to one side of the ether (O) and the methyl group to the other side. The condensed structural formula is: C2H5-O-CH3.

- Draw Cyclopropyl Ethyl Ether

Combine the components of cyclopropyl ethyl ether. Connect the cyclopropyl group to one side of the ether (O) and the ethyl group to the other side. Cyclopropyl is a three-carbon ring, which can be represented as (C3H5). The condensed structural formula is: C3H5-O-C2H5.

Key concepts

Ethyl Methyl Ether

Ethyl methyl ether is an organic compound that contains an ether functional group. An ether is characterized by an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups.
For ethyl methyl ether, the two groups are an ethyl group (C2H5) and a methyl group (CH3). This compound is also known as methoxyethane.
The condensed structural formula for ethyl methyl ether is C2H5-O-CH3. Here’s how it looks step-by-step:

• Ethers have an oxygen atom (O) as the central part of the molecule.
• One side of the oxygen is bonded to an ethyl group (C2H5) - this means two carbon atoms and five hydrogen atoms.
• On the other side, there is a methyl group (CH3) - one carbon atom bonded with three hydrogen atoms.

This structure is simple yet powerful in organic chemistry as it shows how different groups bond through an ether linkage (oxygen atom between them).

Cyclopropyl Ethyl Ether

Cyclopropyl ethyl ether is another ether compound, but slightly more complex due to the presence of a ring structure.
In this molecule, an ether functional group (O) connects a cyclopropyl group and an ethyl group. Cyclopropyl refers to a three-carbon ring (C3H5).
The condensed structural formula for cyclopropyl ethyl ether is C3H5-O-C2H5.
To break it down:

• On one side of the oxygen atom (O), we have the cyclopropyl group - a ring structure that consists of three carbon atoms.
• On the other side, the molecule features an ethyl group (C2H5), which includes two carbon atoms bonded to five hydrogen atoms.

The presence of the ring structure adds complexity and influences the chemical properties of the molecule, but the basic idea is still the link through the ether functional group.

Ether Functional Group

An ether functional group is a fundamental feature in many organic compounds. It consists of an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups.
Ethers play an important role in organic chemistry and are often used as solvents or intermediates in chemical reactions.
Key characteristics of the ether functional group include:

• It is represented by an oxygen atom (O) bonded to two carbon-containing groups.
• Ethers can be symmetrical (same groups on both sides) or asymmetrical (different groups on each side).
• The functional group significantly affects the molecule’s boiling point, solubility, and reactivity.

Understanding how ethers work helps in grasping many advanced organic chemistry concepts. Knowing how to identify and draw ethers like ethyl methyl ether and cyclopropyl ethyl ether is a vital skill in the study of organic compounds.

Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are the basis of all life on Earth and the study of chemistry that involves them is known as organic chemistry.
These compounds are primarily built on carbon atoms but often include other elements like hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and more.

• Organic compounds are classified into different functional groups, like ethers, alcohols, acids, etc., each impacting the compound’s properties.
• The structure and bonding pattern of carbon make it incredibly versatile for forming a variety of compounds - from simple to very complex molecules.
• Examples include simple molecules like methane (CH4), to complex ones like DNA, proteins, and synthetic polymers.

Having a clear understanding of the basics, such as drawing and identifying organic compounds like ethers, sets a strong foundation for more advanced topics in chemistry and biochemistry.