Question

What is the meaning of the term tertiary \(\left(3^{\circ}\right)\) when it is used to classify alcohols? Draw a structural formula for the one tertiary \(\left(3^{\circ}\right)\) alcohol with the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{O} .\)

Short answer

Answer: The structural formula of a tertiary alcohol with the molecular formula C4H10O is: ``` H | CH3 - C - CH3 | CH3 | OH ``` This molecule is called 2-Methyl-2-propanol (or tert-Butanol).

Step-by-step solution

1. Define Tertiary Alcohol

A tertiary alcohol is an alcohol where the hydroxyl group (-OH) is bonded to a carbon atom that is itself connected to three other carbon atoms. In other words, the carbon holding the hydroxyl group is bonded to three alkyl groups.

2. Identify the Molecular Formula

The molecular formula given for the tertiary alcohol is C4H10O, which means it has 4 carbon atoms, 10 hydrogen atoms, and 1 oxygen atom.

3. Determine the Structure of the Tertiary Alcohol

Since we know that the tertiary alcohol has 4 carbon atoms and must have a carbon atom holding the hydroxyl group connected to three other carbon atoms, we can determine a possible structure. Starting with the carbon holding the hydroxyl group, we can add the three carbon atoms around it, forming a central carbon with three methyl groups (CH3) attached to it. The structure will be like this: H | C - C - C - C | | H H | -OH

4. Draw the Structural Formula

Based on the structure we determined, the structural formula for the tertiary alcohol with the molecular formula C4H10O is: ``` H | CH3 - C - CH3 | CH3 | OH ``` This molecule is called 2-Methyl-2-propanol (or tert-Butanol).

Key concepts

molecular formula C4H10O

The molecular formula C4H10O represents a compound made up of four carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. This formula plays a crucial role in the identification of alcohols' chemical structure. The formula provides the count of each type of atom in the molecule, which is essential for determining the molecular structure.

In the context of tertiary alcohols, C4H10O defines a specific arrangement where the components form a structure capable of hosting a tertiary alcohol. Molecular formulas like C4H10O are important in chemistry since they help predict possible structural isomers—compounds with the same chemical formula that differ in structure. Here, this particular formula is associated with 2-Methyl-2-propanol, a type of tertiary alcohol, as it fits the criteria by having the -OH group on a carbon bonded to three other carbon atoms.

2-Methyl-2-propanol

2-Methyl-2-propanol, also known as tert-Butanol, is a specific type of tertiary alcohol. It holds significance due to its structure, where the hydroxyl group (-OH) is attached to a carbon atom bonded to three other carbon atoms. This arrangement makes it a classic example of a tertiary alcohol.

The structure of 2-Methyl-2-propanol can be broken down to better understand its configuration:

• The central carbon atom is surrounded by three methyl groups (CH3), giving the name "methyl".
• The hydroxyl group is directly attached to this central carbon, which is important because it defines the presence of an alcohol group.

This specific structure is unique amongst alcohols and is found in solvents and intermediates in chemical synthesis. Its compact and branched shape is a direct consequence of the tertiary arrangement, influencing its chemical and physical properties.

structural formula of alcohols

The structural formula of an alcohol is a visual representation that shows how atoms are arranged within the molecule. It's crucial for understanding the type of alcohol and its chemical behavior.

For tertiary alcohols, like 2-Methyl-2-propanol, the structural formula is particularly clear. It includes:

• A carbon atom hosting the hydroxyl group (-OH), which is critical as it's the defining feature of alcohols.
• This carbon is further connected to three other carbon atoms, forming the tertiary structure.

The structural formula helps chemists and students to visualize the molecule, understanding both its stability and reactivity. Although the same molecular formula C4H10O can represent other alcohols, the specific structure—shown as CH3C(CH3)2OH for 2-Methyl-2-propanol—illustrates its tertiary nature. Knowing how to read and draw these formulas is essential for anyone studying chemistry, as it forms the base for more complex molecular interactions.