Draw the structure for each of the following:
e. γ-methylcaproic acid

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the parent structure: The name 'γ-methylcaproic acid' indicates that the parent compound is caproic acid, which is the common name for hexanoic acid (a six-carbon carboxylic acid).
2. Determine the position of the substituent: The Greek letter 'γ' (gamma) refers to the third carbon atom from the carboxylic acid group. This means the methyl group is attached to the third carbon in the chain.
3. Draw the backbone: Start by drawing a six-carbon chain with a carboxylic acid group (-COOH) at one end. This represents hexanoic acid.
4. Add the substituent: Place a methyl group (-CH₃) on the γ-carbon (the third carbon from the carboxylic acid group).
5. Verify the structure: Ensure the chain has six carbons, the carboxylic acid group is at one end, and the methyl group is correctly positioned on the γ-carbon. Confirm that all carbons have the correct number of bonds (four).

Key Concepts

Carboxylic Acids

Carboxylic acids are organic compounds characterized by the presence of a carboxyl group (-COOH). This functional group is responsible for the acidic properties of these compounds. In the case of γ-methylcaproic acid, the carboxylic acid group is located at one end of a carbon chain, which influences its reactivity and physical properties.

Aliphatic Hydrocarbons

Aliphatic hydrocarbons are organic compounds composed of carbon and hydrogen arranged in straight or branched chains, or in non-aromatic rings. γ-Methylcaproic acid is derived from caproic acid, which is a six-carbon straight-chain alkane. Understanding the structure of aliphatic hydrocarbons is essential for drawing the correct molecular structure of the acid.

IUPAC Nomenclature

IUPAC nomenclature is a systematic method for naming organic chemical compounds. It provides rules for naming based on the structure and functional groups present in the molecule. For γ-methylcaproic acid, the 'γ' indicates the position of the methyl group on the carbon chain, which is crucial for accurately representing the compound's structure.