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Question 5.2: Predicting the Shape of a Larger Molecule Pyruvic acid is a ......

Predicting the Shape of a Larger Molecule 

Pyruvic acid is a key substance in the metabolism of both carbohydrates and several amino acids. Describe the geometry around each of the carbon atoms in pyruvic acid, and draw the overall shape of the molecule.

H-\overset{\overset{H}{|}}{\underset{\underset{H}{|}}{C}}-\overset{\underset{║}{O}}{C}-\overset{\underset{║}{O}}{C}-O-H \\ \text{Pyruvic acid}

STRATEGY

Use the VSEPR model to predict the geometric arrangement of charge clouds around each of the three carbon atoms, and then join the carbons into an overall structure.

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The left-hand carbon in the structure as drawn has four charge clouds (four single bonds) and tetrahedral geometry with 109! bond angles. Both middle and right-hand carbons have three charge clouds (two single bonds and one double bond) and trigonal planar geometry with 120° bond angles

worked example 5.2

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