Classify each of the following compounds according to its functional group.
a. [tex]$CH _3- CH _2- CH = CH - CH _3$[/tex]
b. [tex]$CH _3- CH _2- CH _2- OH$[/tex]
c. [tex]$CH _3- CH _2- CH _2- O - CH _2- CH _3$[/tex]
d.
e.
Answer (2)
The compounds are classified based on their functional groups:
Compound a contains a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C), indicating an alkene .
Compound b contains a hydroxyl group (-OH), indicating an alcohol .
Compound c contains an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon atoms (C-O-C), indicating an ether .
a. alkene, b. alcohol, c. ether
Explanation
Understanding the Problem We are asked to classify organic compounds based on their functional groups. A functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.
Classifying Compound a a. C H 3 − C H 2 − C H = C H − C H 3 : This compound contains a carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). This indicates the presence of an alkene functional group.
Classifying Compound b b. C H 3 − C H 2 − C H 2 − O H : This compound contains a hydroxyl group (-OH) bonded to a carbon atom. This indicates the presence of an alcohol functional group.
Classifying Compound c c. C H 3 − C H 2 − C H 2 − O − C H 2 − C H 3 : This compound contains an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon atoms (C-O-C). This indicates the presence of an ether functional group.
Examples
Understanding functional groups is crucial in organic chemistry, as they dictate the chemical behavior of molecules. For instance, the presence of an alcohol group (-OH) allows a compound to participate in hydrogen bonding, affecting its boiling point and solubility. Similarly, alkenes (C=C) are more reactive than alkanes due to the presence of the pi bond, making them useful in polymerization reactions. Identifying functional groups helps predict and explain the properties and reactions of organic compounds, which is essential in fields like drug design and materials science.
The classifications based on functional groups are: Compound a is an alkene due to the double bond, Compound b is an alcohol because of the hydroxyl group, and Compound c is an ether as it contains an oxygen connected to two carbon atoms.
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