Draw the skeletal structure for each of the following compounds:


(a) 3-ethylhexane

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the parent chain: The parent chain is the longest continuous chain of carbon atoms. In this case, 'hexane' indicates a 6-carbon chain.
2. Number the carbon atoms in the parent chain: Start numbering from the end closest to the substituent to give the substituent the lowest possible number.
3. Identify and place the substituents: The '3-ethyl' indicates an ethyl group (C2H5) attached to the third carbon of the hexane chain.
4. Draw the skeletal structure: Represent each carbon atom as a vertex and each bond as a line. The ethyl group will branch off from the third carbon.
5. Verify the structure: Ensure that each carbon atom forms four bonds and that the structure accurately represents 3-ethylhexane.

Key Concepts

Skeletal Structures

Skeletal structures, also known as line-angle formulas, are simplified representations of organic molecules. In these diagrams, carbon atoms are represented by the ends and intersections of lines, while hydrogen atoms are typically omitted for clarity. This method allows chemists to visualize the connectivity and arrangement of atoms in a compound without the clutter of hydrogen atoms.

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature is a systematic method for naming organic chemical compounds. It provides a set of rules to derive the name of a compound based on its structure, including the longest carbon chain, substituents, and their positions. Understanding IUPAC nomenclature is essential for accurately interpreting and drawing the structures of compounds like 3-ethylhexane.

Alkane Structure

Alkanes are saturated hydrocarbons characterized by single bonds between carbon atoms. They follow the general formula CnH2n+2, where 'n' is the number of carbon atoms. Recognizing the structure of alkanes is crucial for drawing skeletal structures, as it helps identify the backbone of the molecule and the placement of any substituents, such as the ethyl group in 3-ethylhexane.