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Ch.7 - Covalent Bonding and Electron-Dot Structures
Chapter 7, Problem 34

Electrostatic potential maps of acetaldehyde (C2H4), ethane (C2H6), ethanol (C2H6O), and fluorethane (C2H5F) are shown. Which do you think is which? (a)
Electrostatic potential map of acetaldehyde, ethane, ethanol, and fluorethane for identification.
(b)
(c)
(d)

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1
Identify the molecules: acetaldehyde (C2H4O), ethane (C2H6), ethanol (C2H6O), and fluoroethane (C2H5F).
Understand that the electrostatic potential map shows regions of electron density, with red indicating regions of high electron density (negative potential) and blue indicating regions of low electron density (positive potential).
Analyze the given electrostatic potential map: the red region suggests a highly electronegative atom or group.
Compare the structures of the molecules: acetaldehyde has a carbonyl group (C=O), ethanol has a hydroxyl group (OH), fluoroethane has a fluorine atom (F), and ethane is a simple hydrocarbon with no highly electronegative atoms.
Determine which molecule corresponds to the given map by matching the regions of high electron density (red) to the presence of electronegative atoms or groups in the molecular structures.

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