Identify each compound from its molecular formula and its ¹H NMR spectrum:
b. C₅H₁₀O
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Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Calculate the degree of unsaturation for the molecular formula C5H10O. Use the formula: Degree of Unsaturation = (2C + 2 - H + N - X)/2, where C = number of carbons, H = number of hydrogens, N = number of nitrogens, and X = number of halogens. For C5H10O, there are no nitrogens or halogens, so the formula simplifies to Degree of Unsaturation = (2(5) + 2 - 10)/2.
2. Step 2: Analyze the degree of unsaturation. A degree of unsaturation of 1 indicates the presence of either one double bond or one ring in the structure. This information will help narrow down the possible structures.
3. Step 3: Examine the 1H NMR spectrum. Look for key features such as the number of signals (indicating the number of unique proton environments), their chemical shifts (providing information about the electronic environment of the protons), splitting patterns (indicating the number of neighboring protons), and integration (indicating the relative number of protons in each environment).
4. Step 4: Correlate the NMR data with the molecular formula and degree of unsaturation. For example, if the spectrum shows a signal around 9-10 ppm, it suggests the presence of an aldehyde group (-CHO). If there are signals in the range of 2-3 ppm, it could indicate protons adjacent to a carbonyl group or an alkene. Use this information to propose possible structures.
5. Step 5: Verify the proposed structure(s) by ensuring that the molecular formula, degree of unsaturation, and all NMR data are consistent. If multiple structures are possible, consider additional data (e.g., IR spectroscopy or 13C NMR) to confirm the correct compound.

Key Concepts

Molecular Formula Interpretation

The molecular formula provides essential information about the number and types of atoms in a compound. For C5H10O, it indicates that the compound contains five carbon atoms, ten hydrogen atoms, and one oxygen atom. Understanding how to interpret this formula is crucial for deducing possible structural isomers and functional groups present in the compound.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Spectroscopy

NMR spectroscopy is a powerful analytical technique used to determine the structure of organic compounds. The 1H NMR spectrum specifically provides information about the hydrogen atoms in a molecule, including their environment and connectivity. Peaks in the spectrum correspond to different hydrogen environments, allowing chemists to infer structural details such as the presence of functional groups and the arrangement of atoms.

Isomerism in Organic Compounds

Isomerism refers to the existence of compounds with the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements or spatial orientations. For C5H10O, various isomers can exist, including alcohols, ethers, and ketones. Recognizing the potential for isomerism is essential for accurately identifying the compound based on its molecular formula and NMR data.