Understanding the Structural Formula

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 71 views

Introduction

In organic chemistry, the structural formula of a compound is a way to represent its molecular structure using a combination of atoms and chemical bonds. The structural formula provides valuable information about the compound's properties, such as its functional groups, molecular weight, and physical and chemical properties. In this article, we will focus on the structural formula $$CH _3-\left( CH _2\right)_3- CH _2- COOH$$ and determine which organic compound it corresponds to.

Understanding the Structural Formula

The given structural formula $$CH _3-\left( CH _2\right)_3- CH _2- COOH$$ represents a carboxylic acid, which is a type of organic compound that contains a carboxyl group (-COOH). The formula consists of a chain of carbon atoms, with the carboxyl group attached to the end of the chain. Let's break down the formula to understand its components:

Methane group (CH3): The formula starts with a methane group, which consists of a single carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms.
Ethylene group (CH2): The next part of the formula consists of three ethylene groups, each consisting of a carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
Methane group (CH2): The formula then has a single methane group, which consists of a carbon atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms.
Carboxyl group (-COOH): The final part of the formula is the carboxyl group, which consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH).

Determining the Organic Compound

Now that we have broken down the structural formula, let's determine which organic compound it corresponds to. To do this, we need to count the number of carbon atoms in the formula and identify the functional group.

Counting carbon atoms: The formula consists of 6 carbon atoms: 1 from the methane group, 3 from the ethylene groups, 1 from the methane group, and 1 from the carboxyl group.
Identifying the functional group: The formula contains a carboxyl group (-COOH), which is a characteristic of carboxylic acids.

Conclusion

Based on the structural formula $$CH _3-\left( CH _2\right)_3- CH _2- COOH$$, we can conclude that it corresponds to hexanoic acid. Hexanoic acid is a type of carboxylic acid that contains 6 carbon atoms and a carboxyl group (-COOH). The structural formula provides a clear representation of the compound's molecular structure, which is essential for understanding its properties and behavior.

Comparison with Other Options

Let's compare the given structural formula with the other options:

Pentanoic acid: Pentanoic acid has 5 carbon atoms, which is one less than the given formula.
Butanoic acid: Butanoic acid has 4 carbon atoms, which is two less than the given formula.
Heptanoic acid: Heptanoic acid has 7 carbon atoms, which is one more than the given formula.

Based on the comparison, it is clear that the given structural formula corresponds to hexanoic acid.

Conclusion

Q: What is the structural formula of hexanoic acid?

A: The structural formula of hexanoic acid is $$CH _3-\left( CH _2\right)_3- CH _2- COOH$$.

Q: What is the molecular structure of hexanoic acid?

A: The molecular structure of hexanoic acid consists of a chain of 6 carbon atoms, with a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to the end of the chain.

Q: What is the functional group of hexanoic acid?

A: The functional group of hexanoic acid is the carboxyl group (-COOH).

Q: What is the difference between hexanoic acid and other carboxylic acids?

A: Hexanoic acid has 6 carbon atoms, which is different from other carboxylic acids such as pentanoic acid (5 carbon atoms), butanoic acid (4 carbon atoms), and heptanoic acid (7 carbon atoms).

Q: What are the properties of hexanoic acid?

A: Hexanoic acid is a type of carboxylic acid that has a characteristic odor and is soluble in water. It is also a weak acid and can donate a proton (H+ ion) in aqueous solutions.

Q: How is hexanoic acid used in industry?

A: Hexanoic acid is used in the production of various chemicals, such as esters, amides, and alcohols. It is also used as a solvent and a raw material in the manufacture of plastics, dyes, and other products.

Q: Is hexanoic acid safe to handle?

A: Hexanoic acid is generally considered safe to handle, but it can cause skin and eye irritation. It is also a flammable liquid and should be handled in a well-ventilated area.

Q: Can hexanoic acid be used in food and beverages?

A: Hexanoic acid is not typically used as a food additive, but it can be found in small amounts in some foods, such as cheese and wine. However, it is not recommended to consume hexanoic acid in large quantities.

Q: How is hexanoic acid synthesized?

A: Hexanoic acid can be synthesized through various methods, including the oxidation of hexane, the hydrolysis of hexyl esters, and the fermentation of glucose.

Q: What are the applications of hexanoic acid in medicine?

A: Hexanoic acid has been used in the treatment of certain medical conditions, such as skin infections and wounds. It has also been used as a topical anesthetic and a disinfectant.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the structural formula of hexanoic acid is $$CH _3-\left( CH _2\right)_3- CH _2- COOH$$, and it corresponds to a type of carboxylic acid with 6 carbon atoms and a carboxyl group (-COOH). The molecular structure of hexanoic acid consists of a chain of 6 carbon atoms, with a carboxyl group attached to the end of the chain. Hexanoic acid has various properties, such as a characteristic odor and solubility in water, and it is used in various industries, including the production of chemicals, plastics, and dyes.