Chapter 17, Problem 17.12P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The structural formula for potassium sorbate has to be drawn.

Concept introduction:

Carboxylic acids contain a carbonyl attached to a hydroxyl group as shown below,

Carboxylic acid salts are the neutral compounds which are formed by the reaction of carboxylic acid with a strong base.

The Structural formula of a compound shows how the atoms are arranged in a molecule and, in particular, shows which functional groups are present.

E-Z designators are used as like cis-trans terminology for non-similar groups attached alkenes.

In E-Z designations, the groups attached to vinylic positions are checked by their priority on the basis of higher molecular weight. If the higher priority groups are on the same sides, then the configuration is designated as Z. If the higher priority groups are on the opposite sides, then the configuration is designated as E.