Ethyl acetate, CH3CO2CH2CH3, is commonly used as a solvent and nail-polish remover. Look at the following electrostatic potential map of ethyl acetate, and explain the observed polarity.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Observe the electrostatic potential map of ethyl acetate. The color gradient indicates the distribution of electron density across the molecule.
2. Identify the regions of high electron density (red) and low electron density (blue). In the image, the red region is around the oxygen atom, indicating a high electron density.
3. Note that the blue region around the hydrogen atoms indicates a low electron density. This suggests that the oxygen atom is more electronegative and pulls electron density towards itself.
4. Understand that the difference in electron density creates a dipole moment, with the oxygen atom having a partial negative charge (δ-) and the hydrogen atoms having a partial positive charge (δ+).
5. Conclude that the observed polarity in ethyl acetate is due to the electronegativity difference between the oxygen and hydrogen atoms, resulting in a polar molecule with a dipole moment directed from the hydrogen atoms towards the oxygen atom.

Key Concepts

Molecular Polarity

Molecular polarity arises from the distribution of electron density within a molecule, leading to regions of partial positive and negative charge. In ethyl acetate, the presence of polar bonds, particularly between carbon and oxygen, creates a dipole moment, making the molecule polar. This polarity affects the molecule's interactions with other substances, influencing its behavior as a solvent.

Electrostatic Potential Map

An electrostatic potential map visually represents the charge distribution within a molecule, using color gradients to indicate areas of positive and negative potential. In the case of ethyl acetate, the map shows regions where electron density is higher (negative potential) and lower (positive potential), helping to illustrate the molecule's polarity and how it interacts with other molecules.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that determine their chemical properties and reactivity. Ethyl acetate contains an ester functional group (–COO–), which contributes to its polarity and solubility characteristics. Understanding functional groups is essential for predicting the behavior of organic compounds in various chemical contexts.