The following ball-and-stick molecular model is a representation of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in such over-thecounter headache remedies as Tylenol. (Red = O, gray = C, blue = N, ivory = H.) (b) Indicate the positions of the multiple bonds in acetaminophen.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the atoms involved in multiple bonds: In acetaminophen, look for carbon (C) atoms that are double-bonded to oxygen (O) or nitrogen (N) atoms.
2. Examine the structure: Acetaminophen has a benzene ring, which contains alternating single and double bonds between carbon atoms.
3. Locate the carbonyl group: This is a common functional group in acetaminophen, consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O).
4. Identify the amide linkage: In acetaminophen, there is a nitrogen atom bonded to a carbonyl carbon, forming an amide group (N-C=O).
5. Mark the positions: Highlight the double bonds in the benzene ring and the carbonyl group in the acetaminophen structure.

Key Concepts

Molecular Structure

Molecular structure refers to the arrangement of atoms within a molecule, including the types of bonds (single, double, or triple) and the spatial orientation of these atoms. Understanding the molecular structure of acetaminophen is crucial for identifying where multiple bonds are located, as it directly influences the molecule's chemical properties and reactivity.

Types of Chemical Bonds

Chemical bonds are the forces that hold atoms together in a molecule. The main types include single bonds (one pair of electrons shared), double bonds (two pairs of electrons shared), and triple bonds (three pairs of electrons shared). In acetaminophen, recognizing the presence and position of double bonds is essential for accurately indicating the multiple bonds in the molecular model.

Ball-and-Stick Model

The ball-and-stick model is a three-dimensional representation of molecules, where balls represent atoms and sticks represent the bonds between them. This model helps visualize the geometry of the molecule, including bond angles and lengths. In the case of acetaminophen, using this model allows for a clearer identification of the positions of multiple bonds within the structure.