Chapter U2.36, Problem 5E

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

Lewis dot structure must be drawn for methyl acetate.

Concept introduction:

A Lewis dot structure is the representation of the molecule in which all the valence electrons are used and shown as dots.

Answer to Problem 5E

Lewis dot structure of methyl acetate is given below:

Explanation of Solution

Each carbon atom has formed 4 bonds. Each O atom has formed two bonds. Each H atom has formed 1 bond. Each O atom has two lone pairs of electrons.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

Structural formula must be drawn for the given molecular formula C₃H₆O₂.

Concept introduction:

Structural formula is the formula of a molecule which shows the arrangements of atoms that is how all the atoms are bonded with each other.

Answer to Problem 5E

Structural formula for C₃H₆O₂is given below.

Explanation of Solution

The given molecule is an ester. The central carbon atom is bonded with carbon atom of methyl (CH₃) group, O atom with a double bond and another O atom with a single bond. The two lone pairs on each O atom are shown as pair of dots.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

The functional group in the given molecule must be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Functional groups are atoms or group of atoms which controls the physical and chemical properties of the molecule.

Answer to Problem 5E

In the given molecule there is ester functional group.

Explanation of Solution

Esters are acid derivative with the formula RCOOR’. Where R and R’ are alkyl, aryl or other groups.

The functional group is shown below.

Interpretation Introduction

(d)

Interpretation:

The name and smell of the given compound must be predicted.

Concept introduction:

Smell of a compound depends on the structure of the molecule particularly on the functional group present.

Answer to Problem 5E

The name of the compound is methyl acetate or Methyl ethanoate.

The smell is like ripe banana.

Explanation of Solution

Esters have fruity smell. The acid counterpart of the ester is obtained from acetic acid or ethanoic acid. The alcohol counterpart is obtained from methyl alcohol or methanol. Thus it is an ester of acetic acid and methyl alcohol. So, the name is methyl acetate and IUPAC name is methyl ethanoate.

It has sweet fruity smell resembling ripe banana.