Draw structures for the following:
a. 2,4-Dinitrophenol
b. m-Ethylphenol

Verified step by step guidance

1. <b>Step 1:</b> Understand the basic structure of phenol, which is a benzene ring with an -OH group attached.
2. <b>Step 2:</b> For 2,4-Dinitrophenol, identify the positions on the benzene ring: position 1 is where the -OH group is attached, position 2 is the next carbon in the ring, and position 4 is the carbon opposite position 2.
3. <b>Step 3:</b> Add nitro groups (-NO₂) to positions 2 and 4 on the benzene ring for 2,4-Dinitrophenol.
4. <b>Step 4:</b> For m-Ethylphenol, identify the meta position, which is the third carbon away from the -OH group on the benzene ring.
5. <b>Step 5:</b> Attach an ethyl group (-CH₂CH₃) to the meta position on the benzene ring for m-Ethylphenol.

Key Concepts

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In the case of 2,4-Dinitrophenol, the hydroxyl (-OH) group is a functional group that defines its properties as a phenolic compound, while the nitro (-NO2) groups influence its reactivity and polarity.

Aromatic Compounds

Aromatic compounds are a class of compounds that contain a benzene ring or similar structure, characterized by their stability and unique chemical properties due to resonance. Both 2,4-Dinitrophenol and m-Ethylphenol are aromatic compounds, with the benzene ring providing a stable platform for substituents that affect their chemical behavior.

Isomerism

Isomerism refers to the phenomenon where two or more compounds have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements or spatial orientations. In the case of m-Ethylphenol, the 'm' indicates the position of the ethyl group relative to the hydroxyl group on the benzene ring, showcasing how isomerism can lead to different chemical properties and reactivity.