Propose structures and draw condensed formulas for molecules that meet the following descriptions.
(a) A ketone with the formula C₅H₁₀

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functional group for a ketone, which is a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms.
2. Determine the number of carbon atoms needed in the carbon chain to satisfy the molecular formula C_5H_10.
3. Consider the position of the carbonyl group within the carbon chain. For a ketone, it cannot be at the end of the chain.
4. Propose possible structures by placing the carbonyl group at different positions along the carbon chain, ensuring the total number of carbon and hydrogen atoms matches the given formula.
5. Draw the condensed structural formulas for each proposed structure, ensuring the correct placement of the carbonyl group and the correct number of hydrogen atoms.

Key Concepts

Ketones

Ketones are organic compounds characterized by a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms. They are typically represented by the general formula R2C=O, where R can be any alkyl or aryl group. In the case of the question, the ketone must have five carbon atoms in total, which influences its structure and the arrangement of the carbon skeleton.

Molecular Formula

The molecular formula of a compound indicates the number and types of atoms present in a molecule. For the ketone in the question, C5H10 signifies that there are five carbon atoms and ten hydrogen atoms. This formula helps in determining the degree of saturation and the possible structural isomers that can exist for the compound.

Condensed Structural Formulas

Condensed structural formulas provide a simplified representation of a molecule, showing how atoms are connected without depicting all bonds explicitly. For ketones, the condensed formula typically highlights the carbonyl group and the surrounding carbon atoms. This format is useful for quickly conveying the structure of organic compounds while maintaining clarity about functional groups.