Draw the condensed structural formula for the ester in jojoba wax that is formed from arachidic acid, a 20-carbon saturated fatty acid, and 1-docosanol, CH₃—(CH₂)₂₁—OH.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functional groups involved in the formation of an ester. An ester is formed from the reaction between a carboxylic acid and an alcohol.
2. Recognize that arachidic acid is a 20-carbon saturated fatty acid with the formula CH₃—(CH₂)₁₈—COOH.
3. Identify 1-docosanol as the alcohol with the formula CH₃—(CH₂)₂₁—OH.
4. Understand that the esterification reaction involves the carboxyl group (COOH) of arachidic acid and the hydroxyl group (OH) of 1-docosanol, resulting in the formation of an ester linkage (COO) and the release of water (H₂O).
5. Combine the remaining parts of the molecules after the ester linkage is formed to write the condensed structural formula: CH₃—(CH₂)₁₈—COO—(CH₂)₂₁—CH₃.

Key Concepts

Esterification

Esterification is a chemical reaction between an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, resulting in the formation of an ester and water. In this process, the hydroxyl group (-OH) from the acid and a hydrogen atom from the alcohol combine to release water, while the remaining parts form the ester bond. Understanding this reaction is crucial for drawing the structural formula of esters, such as those found in jojoba wax.

Fatty Acids

Fatty acids are carboxylic acids with long hydrocarbon chains, which can be saturated or unsaturated. Arachidic acid, mentioned in the question, is a saturated fatty acid with 20 carbon atoms. Recognizing the structure and properties of fatty acids is essential for understanding how they react to form esters and their role in biological systems and materials like jojoba wax.

Condensed Structural Formula

A condensed structural formula is a way of representing a chemical structure that shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule without depicting all the bonds explicitly. It provides a simplified view of the molecule, indicating how atoms are grouped together. For the ester formed from arachidic acid and 1-docosanol, drawing the condensed structural formula will help visualize the molecular composition and functional groups involved.