Question

The correct IUPAC name of the compound, is (a) p-phenyldiphenyl (b) p, 1-diphenylbenzene (c) \(1,1^{\prime}, 4^{\prime} .1^{\prime \prime}\) -terphenyl (d) terphenyl

Short answer

The correct IUPAC name is (d) terphenyl.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Structure

The structure provided is a linear arrangement, with one benzene ring connected to two other benzene rings, one at each of its meta positions. It implies a Terphenyl structure.

Analyze Options

The options mention different potential names for the compound. We must match the structural information with the given IUPAC names to identify the correct one.

Define 'Terphenyl' Structure

Terphenyl refers to a compound consisting of three benzene rings connected linearly. The presence of prefix 'ter' implies three phenyl groups connected.

Match with Options

Option (c) offers a detailed nomenclature, while option (d) applies a simpler name indicating the compound is a Terphenyl, which accurately describes the structure as having three connected benzene rings linearly.

Key concepts

Terphenyl

Terphenyl is a fascinating chemical structure in organic chemistry that consists of three benzene rings connected in a linear sequence. The 'ter-' prefix signifies that there are three phenyl groups involved. This arrangement is notable because it results in three distinct aromatic rings that are connected by single bonds. Terphenyls are a subset of polyphenyl compounds, which are known for their unique chemical properties and uses in industrial applications.

One of the most intriguing aspects of terphenyl compounds is their structural rigidity and thermal stability. This makes them useful in various chemical processes and as high-temperature lubricants. In organic chemistry, terphenyls serve as model compounds for studying interactions between aromatic rings.

To conceptualize terphenyl, imagine three hexagonal benzene rings. These rings are bonded in such a way that each middle carbon atom on a benzene forms a linkage to another benzene ring, creating a stable linear chain of three interconnected phenyl groups.

Benzene Rings

Benzene rings are perhaps the most fundamental structures in organic chemistry. Composed of six carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal ring, benzene rings are notable for their aromaticity, featuring a system of delocalized electrons shared across the entire structure.

These conjugated systems give benzene its unique chemical properties, such as enhanced stability and distinctive reactivity. The concept of aromaticity relates to the electron configuration within these rings, adhering to Huckel's rule, which states that a molecule is aromatic when it has a planar ring with \(4n + 2\) π electrons. This electron configuration results in an energy structure lower than the sum of individual, non-interacting electrons, explaining benzene's unusual stability.

In terphenyls, each benzene ring contributes to the overall aromatic character of the molecule, allowing for various chemical reactions that involve substitution rather than addition. This stability also impacts solubility and the types of reactions these molecules can undergo, making benzene rings critical for countless synthetic applications.

Functional Group Identification

In organic chemistry, identifying functional groups is crucial because they determine the properties and reactivity of molecules. Functional groups are specific atoms or groups of atoms within a molecule that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.

For terphenyl, the primary functional component is the phenyl group. While terphenyl is composed solely of aromatic rings, which are themselves functional groups, understanding how these groups alter the physical and chemical properties of larger molecules is key.

Identifying functional groups allows chemists to predict the behavior of molecules during chemical reactions. This is not only essential for naming the compounds according to the IUPAC conventions but also for synthesizing new compounds and materials efficiently.

Organic Chemistry Naming Conventions

Organic chemistry naming conventions, particularly those established by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), are systematic rules for naming chemical compounds. This system enables chemists from around the world to communicate clearly about specific compounds without ambiguity.

The naming of molecules according to IUPAC conventions considers several factors, such as the longest carbon chain, the position of functional groups, and the presence of multiple bonds. For instance, in naming terphenyl compounds, one must identify the main carbon backbone (the sequence of benzene rings) and any relevant substituents or functional groups.

In the exercise's context, nomenclature involves understanding the correct system to describe the compound's structure, like in the option "terphenyl," which succinctly describes the linear arrangement of phenyl groups. IUPAC naming is a critical skill in organic chemistry as it aids in the unambiguous identification and categorization of molecular structures across various fields of chemical research.