Draw the condensed structural formula for each of the following:
b. trans-2-pentene

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the structure of 2-pentene, which is an alkene with a double bond between the second and third carbon atoms in a five-carbon chain.
2. Understand that 'trans' indicates that the substituents (hydrogen atoms in this case) on the double-bonded carbons are on opposite sides.
3. Draw the carbon chain with five carbon atoms: C-C-C-C-C.
4. Place the double bond between the second and third carbon atoms: C-C=C-C-C.
5. Arrange the hydrogen atoms so that the hydrogens on the double-bonded carbons are on opposite sides, ensuring the 'trans' configuration.

Key Concepts

Condensed Structural Formula

A condensed structural formula is a way of representing a chemical compound that shows the arrangement of atoms and the connectivity between them without depicting all the bonds explicitly. It typically uses symbols for atoms and groups them together to indicate how they are connected, making it easier to visualize the structure of the molecule.

Trans Isomerism

Trans isomerism is a type of geometric isomerism where two substituents are on opposite sides of a double bond or a ring structure. In the case of trans-2-pentene, this means that the two methyl groups (–CH3) are located on opposite sides of the double bond, which affects the physical and chemical properties of the compound compared to its cis counterpart.

Pentene Structure

Pentene refers to a class of alkenes with five carbon atoms and at least one double bond. The '2' in trans-2-pentene indicates that the double bond is located between the second and third carbon atoms in the chain. Understanding the basic structure of pentene is essential for accurately drawing its condensed structural formula and recognizing its isomeric forms.