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Ch.4 Molecular Compounds
McMurry - Fundamentals of GOB 8th Edition
McMurry8th EditionFundamentals of GOBISBN: 9780134015187Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 4, Problem 53c

Expand the following condensed structures into the correct structural formulas.
c. CH3CH2OCH2Cl

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1
Identify the main chain and functional groups in the condensed structure. In CH₃CH₂OCH₂Cl, the main chain consists of two carbon atoms (CH₃ and CH₂) connected by an oxygen atom (O), and there is a chlorine atom (Cl) attached to a CH₂ group.
Start by expanding the CH₃ group. This group represents a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms: H₃C−.
Next, expand the CH₂ group that is directly bonded to the CH₃ group. This group represents a carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms and connected to the oxygen atom: −CH₂−O−.
Expand the CH₂ group bonded to the oxygen atom. This group represents a carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms and connected to the chlorine atom: −CH₂−Cl.
Combine all the expanded groups to form the complete structural formula: H₃C−CH₂−O−CH₂−Cl. Ensure all bonds and atoms are correctly represented in the structure.

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Key Concepts

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

Condensed Structural Formula

A condensed structural formula is a way of representing a chemical compound that shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule without depicting all the bonds explicitly. It uses symbols and subscripts to indicate the number of atoms and their connectivity, allowing chemists to visualize the structure in a simplified manner. For example, CH₃CH₂OCH₂Cl indicates a chain of carbon and oxygen atoms with specific substituents.
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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 the given formula, the presence of the ether group (–O–) and the alkyl halide (–Cl) indicates the types of reactions that can occur. Understanding functional groups is essential for predicting the behavior and reactivity of organic compounds.
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Structural Isomerism

Structural isomerism occurs when compounds have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements of atoms. In the case of CH₃CH₂OCH₂Cl, recognizing potential isomers is important for understanding how the arrangement of atoms affects the properties and reactivity of the compound. This concept is crucial when expanding condensed structures into their full structural formulas.
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