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Draw the structural formula of an organic compound of molecular formula C4H10 - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question (i) - 2005
Question (i)
Draw the structural formula of an organic compound of molecular formula C4H10. Label clearly any tetrahedrally bonded carbon atom in the molecule.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Draw the structural formula of an organic compound of molecular formula C4H10 - Leaving Cert Chemistry - Question (i) - 2005
Step 1
Draw the structural formula of an organic compound C4H10
Answer
The molecular formula C4H10 corresponds to butane, which can be drawn as follows:
H H H
| | |
H--C--C--C--H
| | |
H H H
In this structure, all carbon atoms are connected by single bonds and fulfill the tetravalency, forming the necessary hydrogen bonds to satisfy each carbon's bonding needs.
Step 2
Label clearly any tetrahedrally bonded carbon atom in the molecule
Answer
In the above structure, any carbon atom can be labeled as tetrahedrally bonded. For example, the central carbon atom is a tetrahedral center:
H
|
H-C-H (Tetrahedral carbon labeled)
|
H
This structure illustrates that the carbon atom marked can be considered as tetrahedrally bonded, fulfilling the sp³ hybridization required for tetrahedral geometry.