Chapter 21: Problem 84

Draw the structure for each ether. a. ethyl propyl ether b. dibutyl ether c. methyl hexyl ether d. dipentyl ether

Short Answer

Expert verified

Ethyl propyl ether consists of a 2-carbon chain and a 3-carbon chain on either side of an oxygen atom. Dibutyl ether consists of two 4-carbon chains on either side of an oxygen atom. Methyl hexyl ether consists of a 1-carbon chain and a 6-carbon chain on either side of the oxygen. Dipentyl ether consists of two 5-carbon chains on either side of an oxygen atom.

Step by step solution

Identifying the Alkyl Groups for Ethyl Propyl Ether

In ethyl propyl ether, the two alkyl groups attached to the oxygen atom are an ethyl group (with 2 carbons) and a propyl group (with 3 carbons).

Drawing the Structure for Ethyl Propyl Ether

Connect a 2-carbon chain and a 3-carbon chain on either side of an oxygen atom. Each carbon atom in the chains should have a total of four bonds, either with hydrogen atoms or other carbon atoms.

Identifying the Alkyl Groups for Dibutyl Ether

In dibutyl ether, the two alkyl groups are identical, each being a butyl group (with 4 carbons).

Drawing the Structure for Dibutyl Ether

Connect two 4-carbon chains on either side of the oxygen atom, again ensuring that each carbon has four bonds.

Identifying the Alkyl Groups for Methyl Hexyl Ether

In methyl hexyl ether, one alkyl group is a methyl group (with 1 carbon) and the other is a hexyl group (with 6 carbons).

Drawing the Structure for Methyl Hexyl Ether

Connect a 1-carbon chain and a 6-carbon chain on either side of an oxygen atom, ensuring that each carbon has four bonds.

Identifying the Alkyl Groups for Dipentyl Ether

In dipentyl ether, the two alkyl groups are identical, each being a pentyl group (with 5 carbons).

Drawing the Structure for Dipentyl Ether

Connect two 5-carbon chains on either side of the oxygen atom, making sure that each carbon has four bonds.

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Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Understanding Ethyl Propyl Ether

Ethyl propyl ether is a type of ether, a class of organic compounds that contain an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl groups. When drawing its structure, we focus on the two distinct alkyl groups: the ethyl group (a 2-carbon chain) and the propyl group (a 3-carbon chain).

To create the structure, these chains are bonded to the oxygen atom. The ethyl group attaches to one side of the oxygen, and the propyl group to the other. Remember, each carbon atom must have four bonds total. The structure resembles a link between the two chains, with the oxygen as the connecting point. This makes ethyl propyl ether an asymmetrical ether since the two sides of the molecule are not the same.

The Structure of Dibutyl Ether

Dibutyl ether is a symmetrical ether, meaning that the two alkyl groups attached to the central oxygen atom are identical. Both alkyl groups in dibutyl ether are butyl groups, which consist of a 4-carbon chain.

When drawing dibutyl ether, it's like drawing a mirror image on either side of the oxygen atom, with both butyl groups symmetrically displayed. This structural feature can influence the physical and chemical properties of the molecule, as symmetry plays a role in the molecule's polarity and boiling point.

Visualizing Methyl Hexyl Ether

Methyl hexyl ether also falls into the category of asymmetrical ethers, comprising two different alkyl groups. One is a single-carbon methyl group, and the other is a longer six-carbon hexyl group.

When we sketch this molecule, it's easy to spot the unique configuration. The compact methyl group is situated on one side of the oxygen, while the extended hexyl group stretches out from the other side. While the size difference is substantial, the principle that all carbon atoms should form four bonds remains the cornerstone of drawing its structure, resulting in an accurate molecular representation.

Depicting Dipentyl Ether

Dipentyl ether, like dibutyl ether, is another example of a symmetrical ether. This time, both alkyl groups are pentyl groups, each with a 5-carbon chain.

In its representation, you'll show two identical pentyl chains emerging from the central oxygen connection. This symmetry is not just a visual trait but also impacts the ether's behavior in various physical and chemical contexts. With these symmetrical molecules, we consider factors such as balance in the molecule, which can affect interactions with other substances. Even though the drawing steps are straightforward, recognizing the symmetry can add depth to a student's understanding of molecular structures.

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Draw the structure for each ether. a. ethyl propyl ether b. dibutyl ether c. methyl hexyl ether d. dipentyl ether

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Identifying the Alkyl Groups for Ethyl Propyl Ether

Drawing the Structure for Ethyl Propyl Ether

Identifying the Alkyl Groups for Dibutyl Ether

Drawing the Structure for Dibutyl Ether

Identifying the Alkyl Groups for Methyl Hexyl Ether

Drawing the Structure for Methyl Hexyl Ether

Identifying the Alkyl Groups for Dipentyl Ether

Drawing the Structure for Dipentyl Ether

Key Concepts

Understanding Ethyl Propyl Ether

The Structure of Dibutyl Ether

Visualizing Methyl Hexyl Ether

Depicting Dipentyl Ether

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