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Ch.11 Nucleic Acids Big Molecules with a Big Role
Frost - General, Organic and Biological Chemistry 4th Edition
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 7, Problem 10a

Provide the products for each of the following condensation reactions:
a. Chemical structures of a sugar and a nitrogenous base illustrating a condensation reaction with an arrow indicating the process.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Understand the concept of a condensation reaction. A condensation reaction typically involves the combination of two molecules with the elimination of a small molecule, such as water (H₂O) or methanol (CH₃OH). This reaction often occurs between functional groups like alcohols, carboxylic acids, or amines.
Step 2: Analyze the reactants provided in the image (not shown here). Identify the functional groups present in the molecules that will participate in the condensation reaction. Common functional groups include hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), and amino (-NH₂).
Step 3: Determine the type of bond formed during the reaction. For example, if the reaction involves a carboxylic acid and an alcohol, an ester bond will form, and water will be eliminated. If the reaction involves a carboxylic acid and an amine, an amide bond will form, and water will be eliminated.
Step 4: Write the chemical equation for the reaction. Represent the reactants and products using their chemical formulas. For example, if the reactants are R-COOH (carboxylic acid) and R'-OH (alcohol), the product will be R-COOR' (ester) + H₂O.
Step 5: Verify the products formed. Ensure that the small molecule (e.g., H₂O) is correctly eliminated and the new bond (e.g., ester or amide) is properly formed. Double-check the stoichiometry and structural arrangement of the products.

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Key Concepts

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

Condensation Reaction

A condensation reaction is a chemical process where two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, accompanied by the loss of a small molecule, often water. This type of reaction is fundamental in organic chemistry, particularly in the formation of polymers and larger organic compounds. Understanding the mechanism of condensation reactions is crucial for predicting the products formed in such reactions.
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Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In condensation reactions, the presence of certain functional groups, such as alcohols, carboxylic acids, or amines, influences the type of products formed. Identifying these groups helps in predicting the outcome of the reaction.
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Reaction Mechanism

A reaction mechanism is a step-by-step description of the process by which reactants are converted into products in a chemical reaction. It outlines the sequence of bond-breaking and bond-forming events that occur. Understanding the mechanism of condensation reactions allows chemists to anticipate the products and the conditions required for the reaction to proceed efficiently.
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