Question

Draw the condensed structural formula of each of the following: a. methyl acetate b. ethyl butanoate c. 3 -methylpentanoic acid d. cthyl benzoate

Short answer

a. CH3COOCH3b. CH3CH2CH2COOCH2CH3c. CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH2COOHd. C6H5COOCH2CH3

Step-by-step solution

- Understand the Condensed Structural Formula

Condensed structural formulas show the arrangement of atoms in a molecule without displaying all the bonds between them explicitly. Each group of atoms bonded to a central atom is written out in a compact form.

- Identify the Functional Groups

Understand the functional group associated with each compound name. Esters have the formula RCOOR' and carboxylic acids have the formula RCOOH.

- Methyl Acetate

Methyl acetate is an ester with the formula CH3COOCH3. The condensed structural formula is CH3COOCH3.

- Ethyl Butanoate

Ethyl butanoate is an ester with the formula CH3CH2CH2COOCH2CH3. The condensed structural formula is CH3CH2CH2COOCH2CH3.

- 3-Methylpentanoic Acid

3-Methylpentanoic acid is a carboxylic acid with a methyl group on the third carbon of pentanoic acid. The condensed structural formula is CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH2COOH.

- Ethyl Benzoate

Ethyl benzoate is an ester formed from benzoic acid and ethanol. The condensed structural formula is C6H5COOCH2CH3.

Key concepts

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of carbon-containing compounds. Carbon is unique due to its ability to form strong covalent bonds with other elements including hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other carbon atoms. This versatility leads to a vast number of organic compounds having diverse structures and functions.

In organic chemistry, molecules can be represented in several ways, such as molecular formulas, structural formulas, and condensed structural formulas. Each representation helps chemists understand the arrangement of atoms in a molecule and predict its physical and chemical properties.

When studying organic chemistry, it's important to become familiar with the basic building blocks: hydrocarbons (compounds consisting of only hydrogen and carbon). These can be further classified into alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, and aromatic hydrocarbons.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that have characteristic properties and chemical reactivity. They are the key to the behavior of organic compounds under different chemical reactions.

Some common functional groups include hydroxyl groups (-OH) in alcohols, carbonyl groups (C=O) in aldehydes and ketones, carboxyl groups (-COOH) in carboxylic acids, and ester groups (-COO-) in esters.

Recognizing functional groups within a molecule is crucial as they help determine the molecule's reactivity, solubility, and other chemical properties. For example:

• Carboxyl groups are acidic and can donate a proton (H+), making carboxylic acids reactive.
• Ester groups are formed from the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol and often have fruity smells.

Esters

Esters are a class of organic compounds formed through a reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. The general formula for an ester is RCOOR', where R and R' are hydrocarbon chains.

Esters are named by combining the name of the alcohol (as an alkyl group) and the name of the carboxylic acid (in its 'ate' form). For example, methyl acetate is formed from methanol (methyl group) and acetic acid (acetate group).

Here are a few examples:

• Methyl acetate (CH3COOCH3)
• Ethyl butanoate (CH3CH2CH2COOCH2CH3)
• Ethyl benzoate (C6H5COOCH2CH3)

Esters are known for their pleasant, often fruity, smells and are used in flavorings and fragrances. They also find use in the manufacturing of plastics and synthetic fibers.

Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds containing a carboxyl group (-COOH). This group consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) attached to a hydroxyl group (-OH).

The general formula for carboxylic acids is RCOOH, where R is a hydrocarbon chain. They are named by replacing the '-e' in the corresponding alkane name with '-oic acid.' For instance:

• Propanoic acid (CH3CH2COOH)
• 3-Methylpentanoic acid (CH3CH2CH(CH3)CH2COOH)

Carboxylic acids are typically acidic, meaning they can donate a proton (H+) to become carboxylate ions (RCOO-). They also participate in reactions like esterification (forming esters) and reduction (forming alcohols).

Carboxylic acids are found in many natural and industrially significant substances, such as acetic acid (vinegar), and they serve as starting materials for creating other compounds.