Draw the line-angle formula and write the IUPAC name for each of the following:
a. A carboxylic acid that has the formula C₆H₁₂O₂, with no substituents

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the structure of a carboxylic acid. A carboxylic acid contains a functional group (-COOH) attached to a carbon chain. The formula C6H12O2 indicates that the molecule has six carbons, twelve hydrogens, and two oxygens, one of which is part of the carboxylic acid group.
2. Step 2: Determine the parent chain. Since there are six carbons in the molecule, the parent chain will be hexane. The carboxylic acid group is always assigned position 1 in the chain, as it is the highest priority functional group.
3. Step 3: Confirm that there are no substituents. The problem specifies that the carboxylic acid has no substituents, meaning the structure is a straight chain with no branches or additional functional groups.
4. Step 4: Draw the line-angle formula. Represent the six-carbon chain as a zigzag line, with the carboxylic acid group (-COOH) attached to the end of the chain. Ensure the correct number of hydrogens is added to each carbon to satisfy the valency of carbon (four bonds per carbon atom).
5. Step 5: Write the IUPAC name. The name of the compound is derived from the parent chain (hexane) and the carboxylic acid functional group. The IUPAC name for this compound is hexanoic acid.

Key Concepts

Line-Angle Formula

The line-angle formula, also known as the skeletal formula, is a simplified way of drawing organic molecules. In this representation, vertices represent carbon atoms, and lines represent bonds between them. Hydrogen atoms are typically omitted for carbon atoms, as they are assumed to have enough hydrogens to satisfy carbon's tetravalency. This method allows for a clearer visualization of the molecular structure, especially for larger compounds.

Carboxylic Acid

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH). This functional group consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (-OH). Carboxylic acids are known for their acidic properties and are commonly found in various natural substances, such as vinegar (acetic acid) and citric acid. The IUPAC naming convention for carboxylic acids involves identifying the longest carbon chain containing the carboxyl group and adding the suffix '-oic acid.'

IUPAC Naming Conventions

The International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) provides systematic rules for naming chemical compounds. For organic compounds, the name is derived from the longest continuous carbon chain, with functional groups and substituents indicated by prefixes and suffixes. The position of substituents is specified by numbering the carbon chain, ensuring that the lowest possible numbers are assigned. This standardized naming system allows chemists to communicate the structure of compounds clearly and unambiguously.