Skip to main content
Pearson+ LogoPearson+ Logo
Ch.13 Alkenes, Alkynes, and Aromatic Compounds
McMurry - Fundamentals of GOB 8th Edition
McMurry8th EditionFundamentals of GOBISBN: 9780134015187Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 13, Problem 79b

Ocimene, a compound isolated from the herb basil, has three double bonds and the IUPAC name 3,7-dimethyl-1, 3-6-octatriene.
b. Draw the structure of the compound formed if enough HBr is added to react with all the double bonds in ocimene.

Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the structure of ocimene based on its IUPAC name: 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene. This means the compound has a chain of 8 carbon atoms (octa-) with three double bonds (-triene) located at positions 1, 3, and 6. Additionally, there are methyl groups (-CH₃) attached to carbons 3 and 7.
Draw the structure of ocimene, ensuring the correct placement of the double bonds and methyl groups. The structure should show a linear chain of 8 carbons with double bonds at the specified positions and methyl groups branching off at carbons 3 and 7.
Understand the reaction with HBr: When HBr reacts with a compound containing double bonds, the hydrogen (H⁺) adds to the carbon with more hydrogens (Markovnikov's rule), and the bromine (Br⁻) adds to the carbon with fewer hydrogens.
Apply the reaction to each double bond in ocimene. For each double bond, add H⁺ to one carbon and Br⁻ to the other carbon. Repeat this process for all three double bonds in the molecule.
Draw the final structure of the product. The resulting compound will have no double bonds, as all have been saturated by the addition of HBr. Each carbon that was part of a double bond will now have either a hydrogen or a bromine atom attached, depending on the Markovnikov addition rule.

Verified video answer for a similar problem:

This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above.
Was this helpful?

Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Hydrohalogenation

Hydrohalogenation is a chemical reaction where a hydrogen halide (like HBr) adds across the double bonds of alkenes or alkynes. In the case of ocimene, the addition of HBr to its double bonds will result in the formation of bromoalkanes. This reaction typically follows Markovnikov's rule, where the hydrogen atom attaches to the carbon with more hydrogen substituents, leading to the most stable carbocation intermediate.
Recommended video:
Guided course
0:56
Hydrohalogenation Reaction Concept 1

Alkene Reactivity

Alkenes are hydrocarbons that contain at least one carbon-carbon double bond, making them more reactive than alkanes. The presence of double bonds allows for various addition reactions, such as hydrohalogenation, hydrogenation, and halogenation. Understanding the reactivity of alkenes is crucial for predicting the products of reactions involving compounds like ocimene.
Recommended video:
Guided course
3:26
Naming Alkenes Example 1

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature is a systematic method for naming chemical compounds, ensuring that each compound has a unique and descriptive name. For ocimene, the name 3,7-dimethyl-1,3,6-octatriene indicates its structure, including the positions of double bonds and substituents. Familiarity with IUPAC rules is essential for interpreting chemical names and drawing corresponding structures.
Recommended video:
Guided course
3:18
IUPAC Naming Concept 3