Question

Draw the condensed structural formula of each of the following: a. benzoic acid b. chloroethanoic acid c. butyric acid d. heptanoic acid

Short answer

a. C6H5COOH, b. ClCH2COOH, c. C3H7COOH, d. C6H13COOH

Step-by-step solution

Identify the Structure of Benzoic Acid

Benzoic acid is a benzene ring with a carboxylic acid group attached to one of the carbon atoms. The condensed structural formula is written as follows: C6H5COOH.

Identify the Structure of Chloroethanoic Acid

Chloroethanoic acid is acetic acid with a chlorine atom attached to the methyl group. The condensed structural formula is written as follows: ClCH2COOH.

Identify the Structure of Butyric Acid

Butyric acid, also known as butanoic acid, has a four-carbon chain with a carboxylic acid group attached at one end. The condensed structural formula is written as follows: C3H7COOH.

Identify the Structure of Heptanoic Acid

Heptanoic acid has a seven-carbon chain with a carboxylic acid group attached at one end. The condensed structural formula is written as follows: C6H13COOH.

Key concepts

carboxylic acids

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds containing a carboxyl group \(( -COOH)\). They are known for their acidic properties due to the ability of the carboxyl group to donate a hydrogen ion (H\textsuperscript{+}). Carboxylic acids are named by selecting the longest carbon chain that includes the carboxyl group and replacing the suffix \(-e\) with \(-oic acid\). Carboxylic acids have several unique properties:

• They can form hydrogen bonds, making them soluble in water.
• They have higher boiling points compared to other organic compounds of similar molecular weight.
• Commonly found in nature, they play vital roles in biochemistry and metabolism.

Understanding carboxylic acids helps in identifying their presence in various chemical structures and reactions. Examples include benzoic acid, chloroethanoic acid, butyric acid, and heptanoic acid.

condensed structural formulas

Condensed structural formulas provide a simplified way to represent molecular structures. They show the arrangement of atoms within a molecule without detailing every bond:

• For example, benzoic acid's condensed structural formula is \(C_6H_5COOH\).
• Chloroethanoic acid's formula is written as \(ClCH_2COOH\).
• Butyric acid is represented by \(C_3H_7COOH\).
• Heptanoic acid is expressed as \(C_6H_{13}COOH\).

Condensed structural formulas make it easier to visualize complex molecules and understand their composition. They are widely used in textbooks, research papers, and chemical equations to quickly convey the chemical structure.

benzoic acid

Benzoic acid is an aromatic carboxylic acid with the formula \(C_7H_6O_2\), commonly written as \(C_6H_5COOH\). It consists of a benzene ring attached to a carboxyl group. Properties of benzoic acid include:

• White crystalline solid at room temperature.
• Slightly soluble in water.
• Used as a food preservative and in the manufacture of various chemicals.

The structure of benzoic acid features a benzene ring, which is a six-carbon ring with alternating double bonds, linked to a carboxyl group. This combination gives benzoic acid its unique chemical properties and applications in various industries.

chloroethanoic acid

Chloroethanoic acid, also known as chloroacetic acid, is derived from acetic acid by replacing one hydrogen atom in the methyl group with a chlorine atom. Its formula is \(ClCH_2COOH\). Key characteristics of chloroethanoic acid include:

• Colorless, crystalline solid.
• Higher acidity compared to acetic acid due to the electron-withdrawing effect of the chlorine atom.
• Used in the production of carboxymethyl cellulose and other chemicals.

The presence of the chlorine atom increases the reactivity and applications of chloroethanoic acid in various chemical syntheses and industrial processes.

butyric acid

Butyric acid, or butanoic acid, is a simple carboxylic acid with the condensed structural formula \(C_3H_7COOH\). It has a four-carbon chain ending in a carboxyl group. Butyric acid is known for:

• A strong, unpleasant smell often compared to rancid butter.
• Slight solubility in water.
• Role in the production of various esters used as flavorings.

Found naturally in butter, oils, and as a byproduct of anaerobic fermentation, butyric acid is also significant in biochemistry for its role in fat metabolism and energy production.

heptanoic acid

Heptanoic acid, or enanthic acid, consists of a seven-carbon chain with a terminal carboxyl group, represented as \(C_6H_{13}COOH\). Characteristics of heptanoic acid include:

• Oily, colorless liquid.
• Moderate solubility in water.
• Used in the synthesis of esters for fragrances and lubricants.

Heptanoic acid is valuable in industrial applications due to its ability to form esters, which are essential in making perfumes and plasticizers. The longer carbon chain also affects its physical properties, such as its boiling point and solubility.