Question

Question: Explain why the 13C NMR spectrum of 3-methylbutan-2-ol shows five signals.

Short answer

Answer

Since the replacement of each by X atoms forms two diastereomers, the CH₃ groups are not equivalent to those attached to the third carbon.. Thus, every C in this compound is different, and there are five 13-C signals.

Step-by-step solution

13C-NMR

The 13C-NMR splitting pattern reflects how many protons are directly attached to the carbon atom.The 13C-NMR helps to distinguish between CH_{1 ,}CH_{2 ,}CH₃groups.

3-methylbutan-2-ol

3-methylbutan-2-ol

Since the replacement of each by X atoms forms two diastereomers, the CH₃ groups are not equivalent to those attached to the third carbon.. Thus, every C in this compound is different, and there are five 13-C signals.