Question

There are two compounds that have the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{2} \mathrm{H}_{6} \mathrm{O}\). Draw the structure for each isomer and classify the hydrocarbon derivative.

Short answer

Ethanol: Alcohol; Dimethyl Ether: Ether.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Molecular Formula

The molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{6}\mathrm{O}\) indicates there are 2 carbon atoms, 6 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom. Our task is to arrange these atoms in such a way to form different structures known as isomers.

Draw Structure of Ethanol

The first isomer we can create is Ethanol. Ethanol has the structure where an -OH group (hydroxyl group) is attached to one of the carbon atoms. It can be represented as CH₃CH₂OH. This structure makes it an alcohol, a class of organic compounds where a hydroxyl group is bound to a carbon atom.

Draw Structure of Dimethyl Ether

The second isomer, Dimethyl Ether, has a different structure compared to Ethanol. In this case, the oxygen atom is connected between two carbon atoms. It is represented as CH₃OCH₃. This structure, where the oxygen atom is bonded to two carbon atoms, classifies it as an ether, which is known for having an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups.

Classify Each Hydrocarbon Derivative

Now, classify each compound based on its functional group: Ethanol is an alcohol due to the presence of the hydroxyl group, and Dimethyl Ether is an ether due to the presence of an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon groups.

Key concepts

Molecular Formula

The concept of a molecular formula is pivotal in understanding the composition of a molecule. A molecular formula specifies the exact number of each type of atom present in a molecule. For example, the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{6}\mathrm{O}\) tells us that this particular molecule consists of 2 carbon atoms, 6 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom. This does not, however, indicate how these atoms are connected or arranged. Therefore, molecules with the same molecular formula can have different arrangements or structures, leading to what are known as isomers.
These isomers possess different physical and chemical properties despite having the same molecular makeup. This makes the understanding of molecular formulas critical when identifying and classifying compounds in chemistry. In practical applications, correctly interpreting a molecular formula can guide the synthesis of desired compounds in fields such as pharmaceuticals and materials science.

Ethanol

Ethanol is one of the isomers that can be formed from the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{6}\mathrm{O}\). This organic compound is characterized by the presence of the hydroxyl group \(-OH\), which is bonded to one of the carbon atoms. The structural formula for ethanol is \(\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{CH}_2\mathrm{OH}\). This places ethanol in the alcohol group in organic chemistry, as alcohols are defined by having a hydroxyl group linked to a saturated carbon atom.
Ethanol has several uses, most notably as a key ingredient in alcoholic beverages. Furthermore, it serves as an industrial solvent and a hand sanitizer ingredient due to its ability to denature proteins. In the engineering sector, ethanol is used as a renewable biofuel, showcasing its versatility. Understanding ethanol's structure helps highlight the importance of its functional group and its extensive applications across different industries.

Dimethyl Ether

Dimethyl ether is another isomer derived from the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{6}\mathrm{O}\). Unlike ethanol, in dimethyl ether, the oxygen atom is bonded between two carbon atoms. This gives it the structural formula \(\mathrm{CH}_3\mathrm{OCH}_3\). In organic chemistry, such a configuration where an oxygen atom is connected to two alkyl groups defines a compound as an ether.
Dimethyl ether is an important industrial chemical with several practical applications. It is used as a propellant in aerosol products due to its low boiling point and as a refrigerant because it is environmentally friendly compared to traditional options. In addition, dimethyl ether is garnering interest as a potential alternative fuel due to its clean-burning properties. Recognizing the distinct ether structure in dimethyl ether allows chemists and industries to leverage these unique properties for various innovative uses.

Hydrocarbon Derivatives

Hydrocarbon derivatives are molecules that are primarily composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms but also include other elements such as oxygen, nitrogen, or sulfurs. These additional elements form functional groups that alter the chemical behavior of the molecule.
In the case of \(\mathrm{C}_{2}\mathrm{H}_{6}\mathrm{O}\), we have two types of hydrocarbon derivatives: alcohols and ethers. Ethanol, featuring a hydroxyl group bonded to a carbon atom, falls under the alcohols category. Alcohols are known for their polar nature and participate in hydrogen bonding, influencing their boiling point and solubility in water. On the other hand, dimethyl ether contains an ether linkage, where oxygen is bonded to two alkyl groups. Ethers generally have a distinct boiling point and solubility properties compared to alcohols due to their structural differences. Understanding the classification of hydrocarbon derivatives can be crucial for chemists in determining the functional properties and potential applications for each compound.