Problem 65 - Chemistry: An Atoms-Focused Approach

Question

Skunks and Rotten Eggs Many sulfur-containing organic compounds have characteristically foul odors: butanethiol $\left(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{SH}\right)$ is responsible for the odor of skunks, and rotten eggs smell the way they do because they produce tiny amounts of pungent hydrogen sulfide, $\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{S}\(. Draw the Lewis structures for \)\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{SH}\( and \)\mathrm{H}_{2} \mathrm{S}.$

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Question: Draw the Lewis structures for Butanethiol (CH3CH2CH2CH2SH) and Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S), and explain the process involved in drawing these structures. Answer: The Lewis structures of Butanethiol and Hydrogen Sulfide involve arranging the atoms, connecting them with single bonds, and satisfying the octet rule. For Butanethiol, a chain of 4 carbon atoms is created, with the sulfur atom connected to the last carbon. Hydrogen atoms are added around the carbon atoms to satisfy the octet rule. For Hydrogen Sulfide, one sulfur atom is in the center, and two hydrogen atoms are connected with single bonds.

Step 1: Determine the valence electrons

For the given molecules, we have the following number of valence electrons: - Carbon (C): 4 - Hydrogen (H): 1 - Sulfur (S): 6

Step 2: Draw Lewis structure for Butanethiol (CH3CH2CH2CH2SH)

Butanethiol is composed of 4 carbon atoms, 9 hydrogen atoms, and 1 sulfur atom. 1. Arrange the carbon atoms in a chain, and attach the sulfur atom to the last carbon. 2. Connect each carbon atom with a single bond to its neighboring atoms. 3. Add hydrogen atoms around the carbon atoms to satisfy the carbon's valence and the octet rule (each carbon atom should have 4 bonds in total). The first 3 carbons will have 3 hydrogen atoms each, and the last carbon will have 2 hydrogen atoms since it is connected to the sulfur atom. 4. Connect the sulfur atom to the hydrogen atom with a single bond. The Lewis structure of Butanethiol is now complete.

Step 3: Draw Lewis structure for Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

Hydrogen sulfide is composed of 1 sulfur atom and 2 hydrogen atoms. 1. Place the sulfur atom in the center. 2. Connect each hydrogen atom to the sulfur atom with a single bond. The Lewis structure of Hydrogen Sulfide is now complete.