Consider the following organic substances: ethylethanoate, ethylmethylether, hexanol, and propanone. (a) Which of these molecules contains three carbons?

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Identify the molecular formula for each compound: ethylethanoate (C4H8O2), ethylmethylether (C3H8O), hexanol (C6H14O), and propanone (C3H6O).

Count the number of carbon atoms in each molecular formula.

Compare the number of carbon atoms in each compound to determine which one contains three carbons.

Note that ethylmethylether and propanone both have three carbon atoms in their molecular formulas.

Conclude that both ethylmethylether and propanone contain three carbon atoms.

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Key Concepts

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

Molecular Structure

Molecular structure refers to the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, including the types of atoms and the bonds between them. Understanding the molecular formula and structure is essential for identifying the number of carbon atoms in a compound. For example, ethylethanoate (C4H8O2) has four carbons, while propanone (C3H6O) has three.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. Recognizing functional groups helps in understanding the properties and classifications of organic compounds. For instance, the presence of an ester group in ethylethanoate influences its reactivity and structure.

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature is a systematic method for naming organic chemical compounds based on their structure. It provides a standardized way to identify the number of carbon atoms and the type of functional groups present. For example, the names 'hexanol' and 'propanone' indicate the number of carbons (six and three, respectively) and their functional groups, aiding in the identification of the compounds.

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(a) What is a functional group?

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(b) What functional group characterizes an alcohol?

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(c) Write a structural formula for 1-pentanol, the alcohol derived from pentane by making a substitution on one of the carbon atoms.

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Consider the following organic substances: ethylethanoate, ethylmethylether, hexanol, and propanone. (b) Which of these molecules contain a C = O group?

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Chloropropane is derived from propane by substituting Cl for H on one of the carbon atoms. (a) Draw the structural formulas for the two isomers of chloropropane.

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Chloropropane is derived from propane by substituting Cl for H on one of the carbon atoms. (b) Suggest names for these two compounds.