Skip to main content
Ch.21 - Organic Chemistry
Chapter 21, Problem 76b

Draw the structure of each aldehyde or ketone.
b. 2-pentanone

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the functional group for ketones, which is a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms.
Recognize that '2-pentanone' indicates a five-carbon chain (pentane) with a ketone group on the second carbon.
Draw a straight chain of five carbon atoms to represent pentane: C-C-C-C-C.
Place the carbonyl group (C=O) on the second carbon atom in the chain.
Complete the structure by adding hydrogen atoms to each carbon to satisfy the tetravalency of carbon, ensuring each carbon forms four bonds.

Verified Solution

Video duration:
1m
This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Aldehydes and Ketones

Aldehydes and ketones are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O). In aldehydes, the carbonyl group is located at the end of the carbon chain, while in ketones, it is found within the chain. This structural difference influences their chemical properties and reactivity.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:50
Aldehyde and Ketone Reactions

Structural Representation

The structure of organic compounds can be represented using various notations, including Lewis structures, condensed formulas, and skeletal formulas. For aldehydes and ketones, it is essential to accurately depict the carbonyl group and the surrounding carbon atoms to convey the compound's identity and functional groups.
Recommended video:
Guided course
01:42
Resonance Structures

Nomenclature of Organic Compounds

The IUPAC nomenclature system provides a standardized method for naming organic compounds. For ketones, the name includes the root derived from the longest carbon chain containing the carbonyl group, followed by the suffix '-one.' In the case of 2-pentanone, 'pentan-' indicates a five-carbon chain, and '2-' specifies the position of the carbonyl group.
Recommended video:
Guided course
02:26
Introduction to Organic Chemistry