Q35 E - Chemistry (OpenStax)

Question

Write the condensed structures of all isomers with the formula C₂H₆O₂. Label the functional group (or groups) of each isomer.        

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Step 1: Isomers

Isomers have the same molecular formula. They differ in the relative position of the atoms.

Step 2: Alcohol

The first isomer is an alcohol:

It has two -OH groups at two different carbon atoms.

Its name is ethylene glycol, or the IUPAC name is 1,2 -ethanediol.

                 

Step 3: The second isomer

The second isomer is a mix of ether and alcohol:

It has a methyl group connected to the oxygen atom, which has a methylene group on the other side as CH₂.

On the other side, CH₂ has an OH group connected, which is an alcohol group.

Step 4: Peroxides

The third and fourth isomers are peroxides:

It's a type of group where oxygen atoms are connected with a single ᵟ bond

Each oxygen atom then has either an H or R group attached to it.

To sum up, oxygens share a single bond, and each one has another single bond with H or some alkyl or aryl group.