An unknown substance, X, was isolated from rabbit muscle. Its structure was determined from the following observations and experiments. Qualitative analysis showed that X was composed entirely of C, H, andO. A weighed sample of X was completely oxidized, and the H2O and CO2 produced were measured; this quantitative analysis revealed that X contained 40.00% C, 6.71% H, and 53.29% O by weight. The molecular mass of X, determined by mass spectrometry, was 90.00 u (atomic mass units; see Box 1-1). Infrared spectroscopy showed that X containedone double bond. X dissolved readily in water to give an acidic solution; the solution demonstrated optical activity when tested in a polarimeter.(a) Determine the empirical and molecular formula of X.(b) Draw the possible structures of X that fit the molecular formula and contain one double bond. Consider only linear or branched structures and disregard cyclic structures.Note that oxygen makes very poor bonds to itself.(c) What is the structural significance of the observed optical activity? Which structures in (b) are consistent with the observation?(d) What is the structural significance of the observation that a solution of X was acidic? Which structures in (b) are consistent with the observation?(e) What is the structure of X? Is more than one structure consistent with all the data?
An unknown substance, X, was isolated from rabbit muscle. Its structure was determined from the following observations and experiments. Qualitative analysis showed that X was composed entirely of C, H, and
O. A weighed sample of X was completely oxidized, and the H2O and CO2 produced were measured; this quantitative analysis revealed that X contained 40.00% C, 6.71% H, and 53.29% O by weight. The molecular mass of X, determined by mass spectrometry, was 90.00 u (
one double bond. X dissolved readily in water to give an acidic solution; the solution demonstrated optical activity when tested in a polarimeter.
(a) Determine the empirical and molecular formula of X.
(b) Draw the possible structures of X that fit the molecular formula and contain one double bond. Consider only linear or branched structures and disregard cyclic structures.
Note that oxygen makes very poor bonds to itself.
(c) What is the structural significance of the observed optical activity? Which structures in (b) are consistent with the observation?
(d) What is the structural significance of the observation that a solution of X was acidic? Which structures in (b) are consistent with the observation?
(e) What is the structure of X? Is more than one structure consistent with all the data?
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