Draw the structure for each alcohol. a. 2-butanol b. 2-methyl-1-propanol c. 3-ethyl-1-hexanol d. 2-methyl-3-pentanol

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Identify the parent chain: The name '3-ethyl-1-hexanol' indicates that the parent chain is 'hexanol', which is a six-carbon chain with an alcohol group (-OH) at the first carbon.

Number the carbon atoms in the parent chain: Start numbering from the end closest to the -OH group to ensure it is on the first carbon. This gives you a chain numbered from 1 to 6.

Locate the substituent: The '3-ethyl' part of the name indicates that there is an ethyl group (a two-carbon chain, -CH2CH3) attached to the third carbon of the hexanol chain.

Draw the carbon skeleton: Draw a straight chain of six carbon atoms for hexanol, and attach the ethyl group to the third carbon.

Add the functional group: Attach the hydroxyl group (-OH) to the first carbon of the hexanol chain to complete the structure of 3-ethyl-1-hexanol.

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Key Concepts

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

Alcohol Functional Group

Alcohols are organic compounds characterized by the presence of one or more hydroxyl (-OH) groups attached to a carbon atom. The general formula for alcohols is R-OH, where R represents a hydrocarbon chain. Understanding the functional group is essential for identifying the properties and reactivity of alcohols.

IUPAC Nomenclature

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) nomenclature provides a systematic way to name chemical compounds. For alcohols, the name includes the longest carbon chain containing the hydroxyl group, with the suffix '-ol' indicating the presence of the alcohol functional group. In '3-ethyl-1-hexanol', 'hexanol' indicates a six-carbon chain with an alcohol, while '3-ethyl' specifies a two-carbon ethyl group attached to the third carbon.

Structural Representation

Drawing the structure of a compound involves representing its atoms and the bonds between them. For alcohols, this includes showing the carbon backbone, the hydroxyl group, and any substituents. In the case of 3-ethyl-1-hexanol, the structure must depict a six-carbon chain with an ethyl group branching off the third carbon, ensuring clarity in the molecular arrangement.