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Ch.21 - Organic Chemistry
Chapter 21, Problem 89e

Identify each organic compound as an alkane, alkene, alkyne, aromatic hydrocarbon, alcohol, ether, aldehyde, ketone, carboxylic acid, ester, or amine, and provide a name for the compound. e.
Chemical structure of toluene, a benzene derivative with a methyl group.

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Step 1: Identify the structure of the compound. The image shows a benzene ring with two methyl groups attached to it.
Step 2: Determine the type of organic compound. The presence of a benzene ring indicates that it is an aromatic hydrocarbon.
Step 3: Identify the positions of the substituents on the benzene ring. The two methyl groups are attached to adjacent carbon atoms on the benzene ring.
Step 4: Name the compound based on the IUPAC nomenclature. The compound is a derivative of benzene with two methyl groups, which is known as xylene.
Step 5: Specify the position of the methyl groups. Since the methyl groups are on adjacent carbons, the compound is called ortho-xylene or o-xylene.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed solely of hydrogen and carbon atoms. They can be classified into different categories based on their bonding: alkanes (single bonds), alkenes (at least one double bond), and alkynes (at least one triple bond). Understanding the structure and bonding of hydrocarbons is essential for identifying and naming organic compounds.
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Aromatic Compounds

Aromatic compounds are a class of cyclic hydrocarbons that contain alternating double bonds, which contribute to their stability and unique chemical properties. They follow Huckel's rule, having a planar structure with a specific number of π electrons (4n + 2). Toluene, the compound in the image, is an aromatic hydrocarbon with a methyl group attached to a benzene ring.
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Nomenclature of Organic Compounds

The nomenclature of organic compounds follows specific rules set by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). This system allows chemists to systematically name compounds based on their structure, functional groups, and substituents. For example, toluene is named based on its structure as a benzene ring with a methyl group, illustrating the importance of understanding both structure and naming conventions.
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