Propose structures and draw condensed formulas for molecules that meet the following descriptions.
(b) An ester with the formula C₆H₁₂O₂

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of an ester. An ester is an organic compound where the hydrogen in the carboxyl group is replaced by a hydrocarbon chain. It is represented by the formula R-COO-R', where R and R' are any alkyl or aryl group.
2. Step 2: Identify the number of carbon atoms in the ester. The formula C6H12O2 indicates that there are 6 carbon atoms, 12 hydrogen atoms, and 2 oxygen atoms.
3. Step 3: Determine the structure of the ester. Given the formula, the ester could be a combination of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol. The carboxylic acid could be butanoic acid (C4H8O2) and the alcohol could be ethanol (C2H6O).
4. Step 4: Draw the condensed formula for the ester. The condensed formula for the ester formed from butanoic acid and ethanol is CH3CH2CH2COOCH2CH3.
5. Step 5: Draw the structure of the ester. The structure would have a carboxyl group (COO) in the middle, with a butyl group (CH3CH2CH2-) on one side and an ethyl group (-CH2CH3) on the other side.

Key Concepts

Ester Functional Group

Esters are organic compounds formed from the reaction of an alcohol and a carboxylic acid, characterized by the functional group -COO-. They typically have pleasant odors and are commonly found in fats and oils. Understanding the structure of esters is crucial for identifying and drawing their condensed formulas.

Molecular Formula Interpretation

The molecular formula C6H12O2 indicates that the molecule contains six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. This information is essential for determining the possible structural arrangements of the atoms and for ensuring that the proposed structures adhere to the rules of valency and bonding in organic chemistry.

Condensed Structural Formulas

Condensed structural formulas provide a simplified representation of a molecule, showing the arrangement of atoms without depicting all the bonds explicitly. For esters, the condensed formula typically highlights the carbon chain and the ester functional group, allowing for a clearer understanding of the molecule's structure and its chemical properties.