Question 21.62: Deduce the structure of the following compound based on the ......

The “extra” oxygen atom in the molecular formula could indicate an alcohol or an ether group in addition to an ester. The triplet of intensity 6H indicates six equivalent protons (two methyl groups) with a neighboring methylene group. The quartet of intensity 4H indicates four equivalent protons (two methylene groups) with a neighboring methyl group; the signal’s position at 4.2 ppm indicates that the protons are bonded to a carbon atom that is also bonded to an oxygen atom. Thus there are two equivalent —CH₂CH₂ groups in the compound. The compound is diethylcarbonate.