Problem 54 - Chemistry: The Central Science

Question

Acetic anhydride is formed from two acetic acid molecules, in a condensation reaction that involves the removal of a molecule of water. Write the chemical equation for this process, and show the structure of acetic anhydride.

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The chemical equation for the formation of acetic anhydride from two acetic acid molecules in a condensation reaction is \(2 CH_3COOH \rightarrow (CH_3CO)_2O + H_2O\). The structure of acetic anhydride is: O=C-O-C=O || || CH3 CH3

Step 1: Write the chemical equation for the condensation reaction

To write the chemical equation for the condensation reaction involving two acetic acid molecules, we first need the chemical formula for acetic acid which is \(CH_3COOH\). In a condensation reaction, a molecule of water is removed. So, when two acetic acid molecules react, a water molecule is removed, and they combine to form an acetic anhydride molecule. The chemical equation for this process is: \(2 CH_3COOH \rightarrow (CH_3CO)_2O + H_2O\)

Step 2: Show the structure of acetic anhydride

Acetic anhydride has the chemical formula \((CH_3CO)_2O\). To draw its structure, we can start by drawing the two acetyl (\(CH_3CO\)) fragments and then connect them through the oxygen atom. The structure of acetic anhydride is: O=C-O-C=O || || CH3 CH3 In this structure, the oxygen atom connects the two acetyl fragments by single bonds, and each acetyl fragment has a carbonyl group (C=O) at the end. This is the structure of acetic anhydride.