Draw the line-angle formula for each of the following compounds:


c. 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the benzene ring structure, which is a hexagon with alternating double bonds.
2. Number the carbon atoms in the benzene ring starting from any carbon and moving clockwise or counterclockwise.
3. Locate the positions 1, 2, and 4 on the benzene ring based on the numbering.
4. Draw a chlorine atom (Cl) attached to each of the carbon atoms at positions 1, 2, and 4.
5. Ensure that the remaining carbon atoms in the benzene ring have hydrogen atoms to satisfy the tetravalency of carbon.

Key Concepts

Line-Angle Formula

The line-angle formula, also known as the skeletal formula, is a shorthand representation of organic molecules. In this format, vertices represent carbon atoms, and lines represent bonds between them. Hydrogen atoms are typically omitted for carbon atoms, as they are implied by the tetravalency of carbon. This method simplifies the drawing of complex structures, making it easier to visualize and understand molecular geometry.

Benzene and Substituents

Benzene is a cyclic hydrocarbon with a formula of C6H6, characterized by its stable ring structure and resonance. In compounds like 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, benzene serves as the core structure to which substituents, such as chlorine atoms, are attached. The positions of these substituents are indicated by numbers, which refer to the carbon atoms in the benzene ring. Understanding the placement of these substituents is crucial for accurately drawing the line-angle formula.

Nomenclature of Aromatic Compounds

The nomenclature of aromatic compounds follows specific rules set by the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). For 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene, the name indicates that three chlorine atoms are attached to the benzene ring at the first, second, and fourth carbon positions. Familiarity with these naming conventions is essential for interpreting chemical names and translating them into structural representations, such as line-angle formulas.