Question

Draw the structural formula of 1,2-dimethylbenzene.

Short answer

The structural formula of 1,2-dimethylbenzene is: \[ \\ 1,2\text{-dimethylbenzene} = \overset{CH_{3}}{\underset{1}{\text{C}}}-\overset{CH_{3}}{\underset{2}{\text{C}}}-\text{C}-\text{C}-\text{C}-\text{C} \] This molecule has a benzene ring with two methyl groups at positions 1 and 2.

Step-by-step solution

Identify the parent compound

The parent compound in this case is benzene, which has a cyclic structure containing six carbon atoms linked by alternating single and double bonds. The structural formula of benzene is represented as a hexagonal ring.

Locate the substituent positions

The given compound is a 1,2-dimethylbenzene, which indicates that there are two methyl groups (-CH3) to be placed at carbon atoms 1 and 2 in the benzene ring. To do this, let's number the carbon atoms in the benzene ring from 1 to 6.

Add the methyl groups

Now that we have numbered the carbons, we can add the two methyl groups (-CH3) at positions 1 and 2. These methyl groups are bound to the carbon atoms of the benzene ring as follows: C1: Benzene Carbon 1 connects to one hydrogen atom and one methyl group. C2: Benzene Carbon 2 connects to one hydrogen atom and one methyl group. C3 to C6: The other carbon atoms in the benzene ring connect to one hydrogen atom each.

Draw the structural formula

The structural formula of 1,2-dimethylbenzene can be drawn by combining the benzene ring with the two methyl groups at positions 1 and 2: \[ \, \\ 1,2\text{-dimethylbenzene} = \overset{CH_{3}}{\underset{1}{\text{C}}}-\overset{CH_{3}}{\underset{2}{\text{C}}}-\text{C}-\text{C}-\text{C}-\text{C} \] It's essential to note that every vertex in the hexagonal ring represents a carbon atom, and the vertices without any attached methyl group are connected to hydrogen atoms.

Key concepts

1,2-dimethylbenzene

1,2-Dimethylbenzene is an organic compound derived from the parent compound benzene. It is a type of aromatic hydrocarbon commonly known as an xylylene due to its two methyl groups attached to the benzene ring. The numbers "1,2" indicate that the methyl groups are attached to the first and second carbon atoms of the benzene ring. This specific arrangement classifies it as an ortho compound in aromatic chemistry. Understanding the position of these methyl groups is crucial because it influences the chemical properties and reactivity of the compound. This information can help you predict how 1,2-dimethylbenzene might interact in chemical reactions or what kinds of derivatives it can form.

structural formula

A structural formula is a graphical representation of a molecular structure that shows how atoms are arranged. It lays out the precise connectivity between different atoms within a compound, often using simple lines to indicate chemical bonds. For 1,2-dimethylbenzene, the structural formula helps in visualizing:

• The composition of the benzene ring.
• The positioning of methyl groups on specific carbon atoms.
• Which carbon atoms are bonded to hydrogen atoms.

In organic chemistry, this visualization is fundamental. It not only illustrates how the compound is organized but also provides insight into its potential interactions and functional properties.

benzene ring

The benzene ring is a crucial element in many organic compounds, characterized by its distinct hexagonal shape composed of six carbon atoms. Each carbon atom is bonded to one hydrogen atom and is connected to two other carbon atoms, forming alternating single and double bonds within the ring. This alternating pattern of bonds gives the benzene ring unique stability and forms the basis for its aromaticity, a key concept in organic chemistry. Aromaticity is important because it affects how benzene-related compounds engage in chemical reactions and helps predict their reactivity. The benzene ring acts as a scaffold, allowing various chemical groups to attach while maintaining the integrity of the aromatic structure, which is visible in the configuration of 1,2-dimethylbenzene.

methyl groups

Methyl groups are fundamental in organic chemistry, often acting as substituents that modify the behavior of a compound. A methyl group is simply a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms, denoted as \(-CH_3\).In the case of 1,2-dimethylbenzene:

• The methyl groups are attached to carbon atoms 1 and 2 of the benzene ring.
• They are responsible for altering the chemical and physical properties of the base benzene compound.
• Methyl groups can influence boiling points, solubility, and the overall stability of a compound.

When studying organic molecules, recognizing the presence and position of methyl groups is a key factor in understanding how the molecule may behave or react in various chemical environments.