Question 3.13: Recognizing Types of Organic Compounds. What type of compoun......
Recognizing Types of Organic Compounds
What type of compound is each of the following?
(a) CH_{3}CH_{2}CH_{2}CH_{3} (b) CH_{3}CHClCH_{2}CH_{3}
(c) CH_{3}CH_{2}CO_{2}H (d) CH_{3}CH_{2}CH(OH)CH_{2}CH_{3}
Analyze
For each compound, examine the formula to determine which functional group, if any, is present. Also consider whether or not all the carbon–carbon bonds are single bonds.
Solve
(a) The carbon–carbon bonds are all single bonds in this hydrocarbon. This compound is an alkane.
(b) There are only single bonds in its molecules, and one H atom has been replaced by a Cl atom. This compound is a chloroalkane.
(c) The presence of the carboxyl group, —CO_{2}H, in its molecules means that this compound is a carboxylic acid.
(d) The presence of the hydroxyl group, —OH, in its molecules means that this compound is an alcohol.
Assess
Carbon–hydrogen and carbon–carbon bonds, especially carbon–carbon single bonds, are relatively unreactive.
Because of this, functional groups are most important in determining the characteristic properties of organic compounds. We will encounter other functional groups and examine organic compounds in more detail in Chapters 26 and 27.