Identify each of the following compounds from its molecular formula and its IR and ¹H NMR spectra:
b. C₆H₁₂O₂
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Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Analyze the molecular formula (C6H12O2) to determine the degree of unsaturation. Use the formula: \( ext{Degree of Unsaturation} = rac{2C + 2 - H + N - X}{2} \), where \( C \) is the number of carbons, \( H \) is the number of hydrogens, \( N \) is the number of nitrogens, and \( X \) is the number of halogens. For this compound, calculate \( ext{Degree of Unsaturation} = rac{2(6) + 2 - 12}{2} = 1 \), indicating one double bond or a ring.
2. Step 2: Examine the IR spectrum. Look for characteristic absorption bands. For example, a strong, broad peak around 3200-3600 cm\(^{-1}\) indicates an O-H group (alcohol or carboxylic acid). A sharp peak near 1700 cm\(^{-1}\) suggests a carbonyl group (C=O). Identify these functional groups based on the observed peaks.
3. Step 3: Analyze the \( ^1H \) NMR spectrum. Look for the number of signals, their chemical shifts, integration values, and splitting patterns. For example, a singlet around 9-10 ppm suggests an aldehyde proton, while a peak around 2-4 ppm could indicate protons adjacent to an electronegative atom (e.g., oxygen). Use the integration values to determine the relative number of protons contributing to each signal.
4. Step 4: Combine the information from the IR and \( ^1H \) NMR spectra with the molecular formula. For example, if the IR spectrum shows a carbonyl group and the \( ^1H \) NMR spectrum indicates protons near oxygen, the compound could be an ester or a carboxylic acid. Use the splitting patterns and chemical shifts to refine the structure further.
5. Step 5: Propose a structure that matches the molecular formula, degree of unsaturation, and spectral data. Verify that the structure accounts for all observed peaks in the IR and \( ^1H \) NMR spectra, as well as the molecular formula (C6H12O2).

Key Concepts

Molecular Formula Interpretation

The molecular formula provides essential information about the number and types of atoms in a compound. For C6H12O2, it indicates the presence of six carbon atoms, twelve hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms. Understanding how to interpret this formula is crucial for deducing the possible structure and functional groups present in the compound.

Infrared (IR) Spectroscopy

IR spectroscopy is a technique used to identify functional groups in a molecule based on the absorption of infrared light. Different bonds absorb characteristic wavelengths, allowing chemists to infer the presence of specific functional groups, such as alcohols, esters, or carboxylic acids, which may be present in C6H12O2. Analyzing the IR spectrum helps in confirming the molecular structure.

Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) Spectroscopy

1H NMR spectroscopy provides information about the hydrogen atoms in a molecule, revealing their environment and connectivity. The chemical shifts, splitting patterns, and integration of peaks in the NMR spectrum can indicate the number of hydrogen atoms attached to different carbon atoms and help identify the structure of C6H12O2. This technique is essential for confirming the identity of organic compounds.