Ethyl propanoate, CH3CH2COOCH2CH3, gives a fruity pineapple-like smell. (e) What are the approximate bond angles around each carbon atom in the molecule?

Key Concepts

Bond Angles

Bond angles are the angles formed between three atoms in a molecule, specifically between the bonds that connect them. In organic molecules, these angles are influenced by the hybridization of the central atom. For example, in sp3 hybridized carbon, the bond angles are approximately 109.5 degrees, while in sp2 hybridized carbon, they are about 120 degrees.

Hybridization

Hybridization is the concept of mixing atomic orbitals to form new hybrid orbitals that can accommodate the bonding requirements of a molecule. In ethyl propanoate, the carbon atoms can be sp3 or sp2 hybridized, depending on their bonding environment. This hybridization determines the geometry and bond angles around each carbon atom.

Molecular Geometry

Molecular geometry refers to the three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule. It is determined by the number of bonding pairs and lone pairs of electrons around the central atom. In ethyl propanoate, the geometry around the carbon atoms will influence the bond angles, which can be predicted using VSEPR theory, leading to specific angles based on their hybridization.