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Ch.21 - Organic Chemistry
Chapter 21, Problem 84c

Draw the structure for each ether. c. methyl hexyl ether

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1
Identify the functional group of an ether, which is R-O-R', where R and R' are alkyl groups.
Recognize that 'methyl' refers to a CH₃ group and 'hexyl' refers to a C₆H₁₃ group.
Place the methyl group (CH₃) on one side of the oxygen atom.
Place the hexyl group (C₆H₁₃) on the other side of the oxygen atom.
Combine these groups to form the structure: CH₃-O-C₆H₁₃, which represents methyl hexyl ether.

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Key Concepts

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

Ethers

Ethers are a class of organic compounds characterized by an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups. The general formula for ethers is R-O-R', where R and R' represent the hydrocarbon chains. Ethers are known for their relatively low reactivity and are commonly used as solvents in organic chemistry.
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Alkyl Groups

Alkyl groups are derived from alkanes by removing one hydrogen atom, resulting in a functional group that can bond with other atoms. They are typically represented as 'R' in chemical formulas and can vary in size and structure, influencing the properties of the compounds they form. In the case of methyl hexyl ether, the methyl group (CH3) and hexyl group (C6H13) are the two alkyl components.
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Structural Representation

Structural representation in chemistry involves depicting the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, including bonds and functional groups. This can be done using various methods, such as Lewis structures, condensed formulas, or skeletal formulas. For methyl hexyl ether, understanding how to represent the ether linkage (the oxygen atom connecting the two alkyl groups) is crucial for accurately drawing its structure.
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