/*! This file is auto-generated */ .wp-block-button__link{color:#fff;background-color:#32373c;border-radius:9999px;box-shadow:none;text-decoration:none;padding:calc(.667em + 2px) calc(1.333em + 2px);font-size:1.125em}.wp-block-file__button{background:#32373c;color:#fff;text-decoration:none} Problem 21 The condensed structural formula... [FREE SOLUTION] | 91影视

91影视

Log out

Learning Materials

Features

Discover

Chapter 11: Problem 21

The condensed structural formula of butane is \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{3} .\) Explain why this formula does not show the geometry of the real molecule.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The condensed formula lacks geometric details like bond angles and three-dimensional structure.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Structural Formulas

A condensed structural formula represents the arrangement of atoms in a molecule in a simplified form. For butane, the condensed formula is \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2}\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{3}\). This shows the types and quantities of atoms in the molecule as well as the order in which they are bonded. However, it does not provide information about the three-dimensional arrangement of these atoms.
02

Consider Three-Dimensional Geometry

In three-dimensional geometry, atoms are bonded at specific angles rather than on a flat plane. In the case of butane, carbon atoms form sp3 hybridized orbitals, creating a tetrahedral geometry. This geometry involves bond angles of approximately 109.5 degrees around each carbon atom, which cannot be represented in a linear condensed structural formula.
03

Identify the Limitation of Condensed Formulas

The condensed structural formula simplifies the representation and is easy for reading or writing but lacks details about the spatial arrangement of atoms. It does not account for tetrahedral angles or possible conformations such as staggered or eclipsed, which are vital for understanding the actual shape and behavior of the molecule.

Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!

  • Full Textbook Solutions

    Get detailed explanations and key concepts

  • Unlimited Al creation

    Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...

  • Ads-free access

    To over 500 millions flashcards

  • Money-back guarantee

    We refund you if you fail your exam.

Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91影视!

Key Concepts

These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.

Three-Dimensional Molecular Geometry
The concept of three-dimensional molecular geometry helps us understand how molecules are arranged in space. Although we often draw molecules on paper using simple lines, in reality, atoms are not arranged flat. They have specific three-dimensional arrangements.
  • This spatial arrangement is determined by the different bond angles that occur when atoms bond.
  • In this three-dimensional view, atoms twist and turn into distinct shapes that paper or linear formulas cannot show.
For butane, the carbon atoms connect in such a way that they form a 3D shape called a tetrahedron.
This means every carbon atom tries to form bonds that spread out in space to minimize electronic repulsion. Therefore, understanding three-dimensional molecular geometry gives us a clearer picture of how molecules look and behave in the real world.
Condensed Structural Formula
A condensed structural formula is a streamlined way to represent molecules. It's designed to show how atoms are connected without going into too much detail. In the case of butane, this formula is noted as \(\mathrm{CH}_{3} \mathrm{CH}_{2}\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{CH}_{3} \).
  • This representation focuses primarily on listing atoms in the order they are bonded.
  • It provides a quick method to understand the types and numbers of atoms present.
However, it stops short of showing the actual angles and twists that exist in reality. While easy to write and read, a condensed structural formula doesn't indicate how atoms are systematically arranged in three dimensions. This lack of spatial representation limits deeper understanding of the physical and chemical properties of a molecule.
sp3 Hybridization
To truly grasp the shape of butane and similar molecules, we must understand sp3 hybridization. This is a concept in chemistry where one s orbital and three p orbitals blend to form four equivalent sp3 orbitals.
  • These newly hybridized orbitals arrange themselves in a tetrahedral geometry.
  • Each bond angle created by sp3 hybridization is approximately 109.5 degrees.
For each carbon in butane, sp3 hybridization keeps the bonded atoms spread out evenly, lessening electronic repulsion.
This balanced symmetrical arrangement leads to the specific shapes of molecules and affects how they function. Understanding sp3 hybridization is essential for predicting and explaining molecular geometry and properties.

One App. One Place for Learning.

All the tools & learning materials you need for study success - in one app.

Get started for free

Most popular questions from this chapter

Answer true or false. (a) Cycloalkanes are saturated hydrocarbons. (b) Hexane and cyclohexane are constitutional isomers. (c) The parent name of a cycloalkane is the name of the unbranched alkane with the same number of carbon atoms as are in the cycloalkane ring.

Answer true or false. (a) Freons are members of a class of organic compounds called chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). (b) An advantage of Freons as heat-transfer agents in refrigeration systems, propellants in aerosol sprays, and solvents for industrial cleaning is that they are nontoxic, nonflammable, odorless, and noncorrosive. (c) Freons in the stratosphere interact with ultraviolet radiation and thereby set up chemical reactions that lead to the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer. (d) Alternative names for the important laboratory and industrial solvent \(\mathrm{CH}_{2} \mathrm{Cl}_{2}\) are dichloromethane, methylene chloride, and chloroform.

Calculate the actual \(\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{C}-\mathrm{C}\) bond angles in planar (a) cyclopropane and (b) cyclopentane and compare them with optimal bond angles.

Dodecane, \(\mathrm{C}_{12} \mathrm{H}_{26},\) is an unbranched alkane. Predict the following: (a) Will it dissolve in water? (b) Will it dissolve in hexane? (c) Will it burn when ignited? (d) Is it a liquid, solid, or gas at room temperature and atmospheric pressure? (e) Is it more or less dense than water?

(Chemical Connections \(11 \mathrm{B}\) ) What is an "octane rating"? What two reference hydrocarbons are used for setting the scale of octane ratings?
See all solutions

Recommended explanations on Chemistry Textbooks

Inorganic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Nuclear Chemistry

Read Explanation

Chemistry Branches

Read Explanation

Physical Chemistry

Read Explanation

Organic Chemistry

Read Explanation

Kinetics

Read Explanation
View all explanations

What do you think about this solution?

We value your feedback to improve our textbook solutions.

Study anywhere. Anytime. Across all devices.