Use the information provided by these spectra to answer the following questions - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 5
Use the information provided by these spectra to answer the following questions.
a. What is the molecular formula of this molecule?
b. How many different proton en... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Use the information provided by these spectra to answer the following questions - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 5 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
What is the molecular formula of this molecule?
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Answer
The molecular formula of the molecule can be determined from the given spectra data. In this instance, the molecular formula is identified as C₂H₆O₂. This suggests that the molecule contains two carbon atoms, six hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms.
Step 2
How many different proton environments are there in this molecule?
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Answer
In the given molecule C₂H₆O₂, there are 2 different proton environments. This is indicated by the hydrogen atoms being in distinct chemical surroundings due to the presence of different functional groups.
Step 3
Draw the structure of the unknown molecule, clearly showing all bonds.
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The structure of the unknown molecule can be depicted as follows:
H H
| |
H - C - O - H
| |
H O - H
| |
H H
In this diagram, all bonds are illustrated clearly, with emphasis on carbon and oxygen connectivity.
Step 4
Explain how the structure of the compound you have drawn in part c. is consistent with its IR spectrum.
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The structure displays O-H (hydroxyl) bonds which correlate with the broad absorption peak between 2500-3300 cm⁻¹ in the IR spectrum. This range is characteristic of O-H groups, confirming the presence of alcohols in the molecular structure while the C-O stretching absorption reinforces the bonding configuration.
Step 5
Name the compound you have drawn in part c.
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Answer
The compound drawn in part c. is named ethylene glycol. This organic compound is commonly utilized in antifreeze and as a precursor for polymers.
