Draw the structure for each of the following:
a. 2-phenylhexane
b. benzyl alcohol

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the naming conventions in IUPAC nomenclature. For part (a), '2-phenylhexane' indicates a hexane chain (6 carbon atoms in a straight chain) with a phenyl group (C₆H₅) attached to the second carbon. For part (b), 'benzyl alcohol' refers to a benzene ring (C₆H₆) with a -CH₂OH group attached to it.
2. Step 2: For 2-phenylhexane, start by drawing the main chain of hexane. Represent it as a straight chain of six carbon atoms connected by single bonds.
3. Step 3: Attach the phenyl group (a benzene ring) to the second carbon of the hexane chain. Ensure that the phenyl group is represented as a six-membered aromatic ring with alternating double bonds.
4. Step 4: For benzyl alcohol, draw a benzene ring (a six-membered aromatic ring with alternating double bonds). Then, attach a -CH₂OH group to one of the carbons in the benzene ring. This group consists of a methylene (-CH₂-) group bonded to a hydroxyl (-OH) group.
5. Step 5: Verify the structures by checking that all valencies of carbon atoms are satisfied (each carbon should have four bonds), and ensure the placement of substituents matches the IUPAC names provided in the problem.

Key Concepts

Structural Representation

Structural representation in organic chemistry involves depicting the arrangement of atoms within a molecule. This can be done using various formats, such as Lewis structures, condensed formulas, or skeletal structures. Understanding how to represent molecules structurally is crucial for visualizing their chemical properties and reactivity.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In the case of benzyl alcohol, the hydroxyl (-OH) group is the functional group that defines its properties. Recognizing functional groups is essential for predicting the behavior of organic compounds.

Isomerism

Isomerism refers to the existence of compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements or spatial orientations. For example, 2-phenylhexane can exhibit different isomeric forms based on the position of the phenyl group on the hexane chain. Understanding isomerism is vital for distinguishing between compounds and predicting their physical and chemical properties.