Question

Give the systematic name of glycerol. On the basis of the functional groups listed in Table 20.5 , which of the following organic functional groups does not contain any oxygen atoms? a. halohydrocarbons b. ethers c. esters d. aldehydes e. amines

Short answer

The systematic name of glycerol is "propane-1,2,3-triol." Among the given organic functional groups, halohydrocarbons and amines do not contain any oxygen atoms.

Step-by-step solution

Systematic Name of Glycerol

Glycerol is an alcohol with three hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to the carbon chain. Its systematic name is derived from its IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) name. To find the systematic name, count the number of carbon atoms in the chain and assign a number to each carbon where a hydroxyl group is present. In glycerol, there are three carbons, each with an -OH group. The systematic name of glycerol is therefore "propane-1,2,3-triol."

Identify the Functional Group Without Oxygen Atoms

Now, let's look at the list of organic functional groups and identify which one(s) does not contain any oxygen atoms. a. Halohydrocarbons: These compounds contain a halogen (F, Cl, Br, I) bonded to a carbon. No oxygen atoms are present in halohydrocarbons. b. Ethers: Ethers have an oxygen atom bonded to two alkyl or aryl groups (R-O-R'). Oxygen atoms are present in ethers. c. Esters: Esters possess a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to an oxygen atom, which is in turn bonded to an alkyl or aryl group. Oxygen atoms are present in esters. d. Aldehydes: Aldehydes contain a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydrogen atom and an alkyl or aryl group. Oxygen atoms are present in aldehydes. e. Amines: Amines have a nitrogen atom bonded to hydrogen atoms and/or alkyl or aryl groups. No oxygen atoms are present in amines.

Answer the Question

Based on the analysis above, we can conclude that the following organic functional groups do not contain any oxygen atoms: a. Halohydrocarbons e. Amines

Key concepts

Functional Groups

In organic chemistry, functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine the characteristics and reactions of those molecules. They are the key to understanding and predicting the behavior of different organic compounds. Here are some important details about functional groups:

• Halohydrocarbons: These compounds are characterized by the presence of a halogen atom (such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine) attached directly to a carbon atom. They lack oxygen atoms, which affects their reactivity and properties.
• Ethers: Composed of an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups by single bonds, ethers have distinctive physical properties due to the presence of oxygen.
• Esters: These functional groups contain a carbonyl group (C=O) adjacent to an oxygen atom, which is also bonded to an alkyl or aryl group. Esters are commonly found in fats and oils.
• Aldehydes: Aldehydes feature a carbonyl group attached to at least one hydrogen atom. The oxygen in the carbonyl group contributes to aldehydes’ distinctive odors.
• Amines: Amines contain nitrogen atoms bonded to hydrogen and/or carbon, and like halohydrocarbons, they do not contain any oxygen atoms. This absence of oxygen gives amines unique reactivity and properties compared to oxygenated functional groups.

IUPAC Nomenclature

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) has established a systematic method for naming chemical compounds, known as IUPAC Nomenclature. This system allows chemists to communicate complex information about molecular structures clearly and consistently. Here are some basics of IUPAC naming:

• Identifying the Longest Chain: The first step is to identify the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms as the parent structure. This chain forms the base name of the compound, such as "propane" for a three-carbon chain.
• Numbering and Positioning: Each carbon atom in the chain is numbered, allowing for the precise location of functional groups to be specified. For example, in glycerol, which is a three-carbon chain, each hydroxyl group is located on the first, second, and third carbons: "propane-1,2,3-triol."
• Functional Group Identification: Different prefixes and suffixes are used to denote the presence of specific functional groups. In alcohols, for example, the suffix "-ol" is used, as in "triol" for glycerol.

The IUPAC system creates a universal language for chemists, ensuring detailed molecular information can be conveyed simply and effectively.

Glycerol

Glycerol, also known as glycerine, is a simple polyol compound that plays a crucial role in various chemical and biological processes. Here are some key points about glycerol:

• Structure: Glycerol is characterized by having three hydroxyl (-OH) groups connected to a three-carbon chain, making it an alcohol. The presence of multiple hydroxyl groups allows glycerol to interact readily with water, making it highly soluble.
• Uses: Because of its solubility and sweet taste, glycerol is widely used in food products as a sweetener and humectant to maintain moisture. It is also a significant component in the production of soaps and pharmaceuticals.
• IUPAC Name: The systematic name of glycerol is propane-1,2,3-triol, reflecting its three-carbon backbone and the position of its hydroxyl groups.

Glycerol's versatile properties make it an invaluable substance in many industrial and scientific applications, providing a bridge between organic chemistry concepts and practical uses.