Question

Draw the condensed structural formula for each of the following: a. diethyl ether b. cyclobutyl methyl ether

Short answer

Diethyl ether: C2H5-O-C2H5 Cyclobutyl methyl ether: C4H7-O-CH3

Step-by-step solution

- Understand Diethyl Ether

Diethyl ether is an ether with two ethyl groups (C2H5) attached to either side of an oxygen atom. To draw the condensed structural formula, write an ether linkage (R-O-R') where R and R' are the ethyl groups.

- Construct Condensed Structural Formula for Diethyl Ether

Combine the ethyl groups (C2H5) with the oxygen atom in the center. The formula will be: C2H5-O-C2H5.

- Understand Cyclobutyl Methyl Ether

Cyclobutyl methyl ether consists of a cyclobutyl group (a ring of four carbon atoms) attached to an oxygen atom, with a methyl group (CH3) also attached to the oxygen atom.

- Construct Condensed Structural Formula for Cyclobutyl Methyl Ether

Write the cyclobutyl group as C4H7, indicating the ring structure, and attach the oxygen followed by the methyl group. The formula will be: C4H7-O-CH3.

Key concepts

diethyl ether structure

Diethyl ether is a common organic compound used as a solvent. Its structure is relatively simple, consisting of two ethyl groups (C₂H₅) connected by an oxygen atom in the middle.
In condensed structural formulas, the emphasis is on showing the connectivity between atoms without explicitly drawing every single bond or atom. To represent diethyl ether, you take the two ethyl groups and link them through the oxygen atom.
The condensed structural formula for diethyl ether is: C₂H₅-O-C₂H₅. This shows how the two ethyl groups are attached to the oxygen atom, making it easy to visualize its structure.

cyclobutyl methyl ether

Cyclobutyl methyl ether is a more complex ether, featuring a cyclobutyl group and a methyl group connected by an oxygen atom.
Understanding cyclobutyl methyl ether starts with recognizing the cyclobutyl group as a ring of four carbon atoms, typically represented as C₄H₇ to indicate the loop-like structure.
The methyl group, which is a simple CH₃ unit, is then attached to the oxygen atom. This makes up the 'ether' connection in the molecule.
To draw the condensed structural formula for cyclobutyl methyl ether, you denote the cyclobutyl ring, followed by the oxygen atom and the methyl group. The condensed structural formula is: C₄H₇-O-CH₃. Each part of this formula indicates the connection points between the atoms, making it straightforward to understand.

condensed structural formula

Condensed structural formulas are a shorthand way of representing molecules. They provide a clear depiction of the arrangement of atoms in a molecule, focusing on connectivity rather than depicting each individual bond or atom.
Unlike expanded formulas, which draw every single bond, condensed structural formulas group atoms together to show how they are connected.
This approach is particularly useful in organic chemistry, where molecules can be large and complex.
When writing condensed structural formulas, certain principles are followed:

• Groups of atoms are clustered together, making the formula more compact.
• The connectivity is clear, allowing quick visualization of the molecule's structure.

Using this method helps in quickly understanding and drawing complex molecules, aiding in both learning and practical applications.