Problem 45 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Draw the molecular structure for (a) an aldehyde that is an isomer of acetone, (b) an ether that is an isomer of 1-propanol.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The aldehyde isomer of acetone is propanal with the molecular structure H2C-CHO, and the ether isomer of 1-propanol is methoxyethane with the molecular structure CH3-O-CH2-CH3.

Step 1: 1. Drawing an aldehyde isomer of acetone

An aldehyde molecule consists of a carbonyl group attached to an alkyl or an aryl group and a hydrogen atom. The general structure for an aldehyde is RCHO, where R is an alkyl or aryl group. We are given the molecular formula for the aldehyde as C3H6O (same as acetone). Let's find the aldehyde structure: 1. Identify the carbonyl group in the molecule (C=O). This group will be part of the aldehyde. 2. Attach an alkyl group (R) to the carbonyl group. 3. Following the molecular formula, we must add two more carbon atoms and six hydrogen atoms. 4. The final structure is: H2C-CHO (propanal) The aldehyde isomer of acetone is propanal with the molecular structure H2C-CHO.

Step 2: 2. Drawing an ether isomer of 1-propanol

An ether molecule consists of an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups. The general structure for an ether is R-O-R', where R and R' are alkyl or aryl groups. We are given the molecular formula for the ether as C3H8O (same as 1-propanol). Let's find the ether structure: 1. Identify the oxygen atom in the molecule. This atom will be part of the ether. 2. Attach two alkyl groups (R and R') to the oxygen atom. 3. Following the molecular formula, we must add three carbon atoms and eight hydrogen atoms. 4. The final structure is: CH3-O-CH2-CH3 (methoxyethane) The ether isomer of 1-propanol is methoxyethane with the molecular structure CH3-O-CH2-CH3.