Question

Chloral hydrate is a veterinary anesthetic. Based on its name, which two functional groups are likely present?

Short answer

Chloral hydrate contains an aldehyde group (from the chloral) and an alcohol group (from the hydrate).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Chloral Hydrate's Name

The name 'chloral hydrate' provides clues about the functional groups. 'Chloral' suggests the presence of chlorine atoms, likely from a chlorocarbon group typically found in aldehydes. 'Hydrate' indicates the presence of water or alcohol, which often involves hydroxyl (OH) groups.

Identifying Functional Groups

Given the prefix 'chloral', we can infer the presence of an aldehyde functional group with a chlorine substitution, known as trichloroacetaldehyde. The suffix 'hydrate' suggests the addition of water, resulting in the hydrates of aldehydes, which commonly involve an alcohol group.

Verifying the Functional Groups

Combine the observations: the name 'chloral' associates with trichloroacetaldehyde, containing one or more chlorine substitutions in an aldehyde structure. The 'hydrate' completion suggests the presence of an additional hydroxyl group, forming a geminal diol structure from the reaction of water with the aldehyde group.

Key concepts

Functional Groups

In organic chemistry, functional groups are specific groupings of atoms within molecules that have characteristic properties and chemical reactions. They are like special tags that give molecules their unique behaviors. Recognizing functional groups is crucial for understanding how different chemicals interact.

Some common functional groups include:

• Hydroxyl Group (OH): This group can turn hydrocarbons into alcohols, making them polar and capable of forming hydrogen bonds.
• Aldehyde Group (CHO): A carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydrogen atom, typically found at the end of a carbon chain.
• Carboxyl Group (COOH): Known for imparting acidic characteristics to organic molecules.

These groups can influence the chemical reactivity, solubility, and boiling/melting points of the compounds they are part of.

Chloral Hydrate

Chloral hydrate, a compound historically used in medicine and veterinary science as a sedative and anesthetic, is an intriguing substance in organic chemistry. It bridges simple molecular structures and their practical applications in real-world scenarios.

Chloral hydrate is derived from chloral, which is trichloroacetaldehyde. This substance reacts with water to form a geminal diol, known specifically as chloral hydrate. The 'hydrate' in its name indicates that a water molecule is involved in its chemical structure. It results in a stable white crystalline solid under typical conditions.

• Chloral: A trichloroacetaldehyde, an aldehyde with chlorine atoms attached.
• Hydration Reaction: Water molecules add to chloral, converting it into chloral hydrate.

This hydration creates a unique equilibrium between the aldehyde and its geminal diol, contributing to the compound's unique properties.

Aldehyde Group

The aldehyde group is a fundamental component of many organic molecules, recognized by its carbon-oxygen double bond (C=O) and an attached hydrogen atom.

• Structure: Typically, the aldehyde group appears at the end of a carbon chain. This positioning makes it easily oxidizable to carboxylic acids.
• Reactiveness: Aldehydes are highly reactive, often participating in further chemical reactions, such as hydration to form diols.

In chloral hydrate, the aldehyde group originates from the trichloroacetaldehyde before its interaction with water. The presence of chlorine atoms in the molecule enhances its reactivity, subsequently leading to the formation of the more stable hydrate form. This transformation showcases the flexibility and reactivity of aldehyde groups.

Hydroxyl Group

The hydroxyl group, noted by the formula OH, is an essential component of alcohols and plays a critical role in numerous chemical processes. It consists of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom.

• Characteristics: Hydroxyl groups confer polarity to molecules, enhancing their solubility in water. They also promote hydrogen bonding.
• Presence in Chloral Hydrate: In chloral hydrate, the hydration of chloral results in the formation of two hydroxyl groups, forming a geminal diol. This modification significantly alters the compound's chemical behavior and stability.

The presence of the hydroxyl group in chloral hydrate helps to bridge the understanding between organic functional groups and their transformations. Their ability to form hydrogen bonds is crucial, impacting the interactions that the compound can have in biological and environmental contexts.