Question

Label each compound as an acetal, a hemiacetal, or an ether.

a.

b.

c.

d.

Short answer

a. Ether

b. Open acetal

c. Cyclic acetal

d. Hemiacetal

Step-by-step solution

Acetal, hemiacetal, and ether

In acetal, two -OR groups are attached to the carbon atom, while in a hemiacetal, one of the -OR groups is replaced by an -OH group.An ether contains a C-O-R bond.

Classfication of compounds

The compounds are classified into acetals, hemiacetals, and ethers as follows:

a. This is an ether where there is R-O-R bond such that R is an alkyl group.

Ether

b. This is an open acetal that has two -OR groups attached to the carbon atom.

Open acetal

c. This is an closed acetal that has two -OR groups attached to the carbon atom in a cyclic ring.

Cyclic acetal

d. This is a hemiacetal where one -OR group is replaced by an -OH group attached to the carbon atom.

Hemiacetal