Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS

Naming Carboxylic Acids

Organic Chemistry

22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS

Naming Carboxylic Acids

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Problem 3i

Textbook Question

Draw the structure for each of the following:
i. α-chlorovaleric acid

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the name of the compound. The name 'α-chlorovaleric acid' provides key information about the structure. 'Valeric acid' refers to pentanoic acid, which is a carboxylic acid with a five-carbon chain (C5H10O2).

Step 2: Identify the position of the substituent. The prefix 'α-' indicates that the substituent (in this case, a chlorine atom) is attached to the carbon atom directly adjacent to the carboxylic acid group (the α-carbon).

Step 3: Draw the backbone of the molecule. Start with a five-carbon chain, and attach a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) to the first carbon.

Step 4: Add the chlorine substituent. Place a chlorine atom on the α-carbon, which is the second carbon in the chain when counting from the carboxylic acid group.

Step 5: Verify the structure. Ensure that all carbons have the correct number of bonds (four for each carbon) and that the functional groups and substituents are placed correctly according to the IUPAC naming rules.

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Key Concepts

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

Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH). This functional group consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). Carboxylic acids are known for their acidic properties and are commonly found in various biological and industrial processes.

Halogenation

Halogenation is a chemical reaction that involves the introduction of a halogen atom (such as chlorine or bromine) into a molecule. In the context of α-chlorovaleric acid, the halogenation occurs at the alpha position (the first carbon adjacent to the carboxyl group) of valeric acid, resulting in the substitution of a hydrogen atom with a chlorine atom. This process is significant in organic synthesis and can affect the reactivity and properties of the compound.

Structural Representation

Structural representation in organic chemistry refers to the way molecules are depicted to convey their arrangement of atoms and bonds. This can include Lewis structures, condensed formulas, or skeletal structures. For α-chlorovaleric acid, accurately drawing its structure involves showing the carboxyl group, the carbon chain of valeric acid, and the chlorine substituent at the appropriate position, which is essential for understanding its chemical behavior.

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