Q1-21E - Organic Chemistry (Mcmurry)

Question

The following model is a representation of aspartame, C14H18N2O5, known commercially under many names, including NutraSweet. Only the connections between atoms are shown; multiple bonds are not indicated. Complete the structure for aspartame, and indicate the positions of multiple bonds (gray 5 C, red 5 O, blue 5 N, ivory 5 H)

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Structure of aspartame

Step 1: Skeletal structures

Skeletal structures are shorthand structures for drawing molecules in which the carbon-hydrogen and carbon-carbon atoms bonds are implied. Organic molecules often have covalent bonds that involve more than two shared electrons. Bonds that involve 4 shared electrons are called double bonds and are represented by two lines between atoms. Bonds that involve 6 shared electrons are called triple bonds and are represented by three lines between atoms. The valence of the carbon atom is four so carbon form four bonds. The valence of oxygen is two so it oxygen form two bonds and the valence of nitrogen is three so it forms three bonds.

Step 2: Skeletal structure for aspartame

The skeletal structure for aspartame is represented as follows:

Structure of aspartame