Question

Draw the line structures for the ether and two alcohols with the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{8} \mathrm{O}\).

Short answer

The line structures should reflect the different placements of the functional groups in the ether and alcohols, according to the C3H8O formula.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Basic Organic Structures

The molecular formula for all requested compounds is \(\mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{8} \mathrm{O}\). The difference between ethers and alcohols is the type of functional group present. An ether has an oxygen atom connected to two carbon atoms (C-O-C), while an alcohol has an oxygen atom connected to a carbon atom and a hydrogen atom (C-O-H).

Drawing the Ether Structure

Draw three carbon atoms (C) in a row. Connect the middle carbon to an oxygen atom (O). This will result in a C-C-O-C structure. The remaining hydrogens are then distributed such that each carbon atom forms four bonds.

Drawing the Alcohol Structure First Variation

Draw three carbon atoms in a row. Connect the center carbon to an oxygen atom (O) that is then connected to a hydrogen atom (H). This result in a C-C-OH-C structure. The remaining hydrogens are then distributed such that each carbon atom forms four bonds.

Drawing the Alcohol Structure Second Variation

Draw three carbon atoms in a row. Connect the first carbon to an oxygen atom (O) that is then connected to a hydrogen atom (H). This results in a C-OH-C-C structure. The remaining hydrogen atoms are distributed such that each carbon atom forms four bonds.

Key concepts

Functional Groups

In organic chemistry, understanding functional groups is crucial for identifying and distinguishing different types of molecules. Functional groups are specific clusters of atoms within molecules that determine the chemical reactivity and properties of those molecules. For instance:

• Alcohols have an –OH group. In the molecular structure, this appears as an oxygen atom bonded to both a carbon atom and a hydrogen atom.
• Ethers have an –O– linkage. Here, the oxygen atom is bonded between two carbon atoms.

Recognizing these groups helps predict how the molecules will behave in chemical reactions. For the given molecular formula \( \mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{8} \mathrm{O} \), our task is to form structures for both an ether and two alcohols. One should look for places where the functional groups can fit into the carbon skeleton to form stable bonds.

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of a compound gives the exact number of each type of atom in a molecule. For example, \( \mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{8} \mathrm{O} \) indicates:

• Three carbon atoms (\( \mathrm{C}_{3} \)).
• Eight hydrogen atoms (\( \mathrm{H}_{8} \)).
• One oxygen atom (\( \mathrm{O} \)).

When using a molecular formula to draw structural formulas, it serves as a guide to ensure that the number of each type of atom in your drawing agrees with the formula. The challenge lies in understanding how these atoms connect given the constraints of regular bonding patterns—carbon needs four bonds, oxygen usually needs two, and hydrogen needs one. For the ether and alcohol forms, this means creatively organizing these atoms to respect their bonding rules while fitting the given molecular formula.

Line Structures

Line structures offer a simplified way to represent molecules, especially organic ones with complex arrangements. Even though only lines and angles are drawn, they imply a wealth of information:

• Carbon atoms are represented at the ends and intersections of lines. They are typically not labeled, in line with structural drawing conventions that assume carbon at each vertex of a zigzag.
• Hydrogen atoms attached to carbons are generally omitted. You infer their presence because carbon forms four bonds.
• Other atoms and functional groups such as oxygen must be explicitly drawn and labeled due to their unique properties and bonding patterns.

When translating our molecular formula \( \mathrm{C}_{3} \mathrm{H}_{8} \mathrm{O} \) into line structures, we prioritize clarity while respecting these conventions. Properly placed lines will highlight the functional groups and demonstrate the logical arrangement of all atoms involved in forming ether and alcohol varieties.