Label each hydrogen atom in the following compounds as primary (1°), secondary (2°), or tertiary (3°). a. CH3CH2CH(CH3)2 b. (CH3)3CCH2CH3

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the type of carbon atom each hydrogen is attached to in the compound.
2. For compound a (CH3CH2CH(CH3)2), start by identifying the carbon atoms: the first carbon is primary (1°), the second is secondary (2°), and the third is tertiary (3°).
3. Label the hydrogens on each carbon: hydrogens on a primary carbon are primary (1°), on a secondary carbon are secondary (2°), and on a tertiary carbon are tertiary (3°).
4. For compound b ((CH3)3CCH2CH3), identify the carbon atoms: the first carbon is tertiary (3°), the second is primary (1°), and the third is primary (1°).
5. Label the hydrogens on each carbon in compound b: hydrogens on a tertiary carbon are tertiary (3°), and hydrogens on primary carbons are primary (1°).

Key Concepts

Hydrocarbon Structure

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Their structure can be linear, branched, or cyclic, influencing the classification of hydrogen atoms. Understanding the arrangement of carbon atoms in a molecule is crucial for identifying the type of hydrogen atoms attached to them.

Classification of Hydrogen Atoms

Hydrogen atoms in organic compounds are classified based on the carbon atom they are attached to. Primary (1°) hydrogens are attached to a carbon bonded to one other carbon, secondary (2°) hydrogens are attached to a carbon bonded to two other carbons, and tertiary (3°) hydrogens are attached to a carbon bonded to three other carbons. This classification helps in understanding the reactivity and stability of the compounds.

Nomenclature and Structural Representation

Nomenclature in organic chemistry provides a systematic way to name compounds based on their structure. Structural representation, such as condensed formulas or skeletal structures, allows for visualizing the arrangement of atoms. Familiarity with these conventions is essential for accurately labeling and analyzing the hydrogen atoms in the given compounds.