Which of the following is a characteristic of the given compound?   a)  It is soluble in water.   b)  It has a pKa of about 10.   c)  It readily reacts with NaOH to form a sodium salt.   d)  All of these are characteristics of the compound.

Chemistry
10th Edition
ISBN:9781305957404
Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Chapter1: Chemical Foundations
Section: Chapter Questions
Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...
icon
Related questions
icon
Concept explainers
Question
Consider the following model. Elements other than hydrogen and carbon are labeled.

 

 

Which of the following is a characteristic of the given compound?

 

a) 

It is soluble in water.
 

b) 

It has a pKa of about 10.
 

c) 

It readily reacts with NaOH to form a sodium salt.
 

d) 

All of these are characteristics of the compound.
**Molecular Structure of Lactic Acid**

The image depicts a three-dimensional molecular model of lactic acid, an important compound in biochemistry known as 2-hydroxypropanoic acid. 

**Structural Breakdown:**

- **Atoms Identification:**
  - **Carbon Atoms (Black Spheres):** Represent the carbon atoms in the molecule.
  - **Oxygen Atoms (Red Spheres):** Represent the oxygen atoms.
  - **Hydrogen Atoms (White Spheres):** Represent the hydrogen atoms.

- **Bond Representation:**
  - **Single Bonds:** Shown as single lines between atoms, indicating a single covalent bond (e.g., C-H bonds).
  - **Double Bond:** Shown as two parallel lines between carbon and oxygen atoms, indicating a double covalent bond (e.g., the C=O bond).

**Lactic Acid Structure Explanation:**

1. **Carbon Backbone:**
   - The lactic acid molecule comprises three carbon atoms. Two of these carbon atoms are singly bonded to each other, and the third carbon is bonded to an oxygen atom through a double bond.

2. **Functional Groups:**
   - **Hydroxyl Group (-OH):** Attached to the second carbon atom, the presence of this group classifies lactic acid as an alpha-hydroxy acid.
   - **Carboxyl Group (-COOH):** Present at the end of the molecule, attached to one of the carbon atoms. This group features a carbon double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group.

3. **Hydrogen Atoms:**
   - Attached to carbon atoms to satisfy the valency requirements of carbon (which forms four bonds).

This structural representation is important for understanding the chemical properties and behavior of lactic acid in various biochemical processes.
Transcribed Image Text:**Molecular Structure of Lactic Acid** The image depicts a three-dimensional molecular model of lactic acid, an important compound in biochemistry known as 2-hydroxypropanoic acid. **Structural Breakdown:** - **Atoms Identification:** - **Carbon Atoms (Black Spheres):** Represent the carbon atoms in the molecule. - **Oxygen Atoms (Red Spheres):** Represent the oxygen atoms. - **Hydrogen Atoms (White Spheres):** Represent the hydrogen atoms. - **Bond Representation:** - **Single Bonds:** Shown as single lines between atoms, indicating a single covalent bond (e.g., C-H bonds). - **Double Bond:** Shown as two parallel lines between carbon and oxygen atoms, indicating a double covalent bond (e.g., the C=O bond). **Lactic Acid Structure Explanation:** 1. **Carbon Backbone:** - The lactic acid molecule comprises three carbon atoms. Two of these carbon atoms are singly bonded to each other, and the third carbon is bonded to an oxygen atom through a double bond. 2. **Functional Groups:** - **Hydroxyl Group (-OH):** Attached to the second carbon atom, the presence of this group classifies lactic acid as an alpha-hydroxy acid. - **Carboxyl Group (-COOH):** Present at the end of the molecule, attached to one of the carbon atoms. This group features a carbon double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group. 3. **Hydrogen Atoms:** - Attached to carbon atoms to satisfy the valency requirements of carbon (which forms four bonds). This structural representation is important for understanding the chemical properties and behavior of lactic acid in various biochemical processes.
Expert Solution
trending now

Trending now

This is a popular solution!

steps

Step by step

Solved in 3 steps

Blurred answer
Knowledge Booster
Carbohydrates
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, chemistry and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
Recommended textbooks for you
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305957404
Author:
Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Chemistry
Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781259911156
Author:
Raymond Chang Dr., Jason Overby Professor
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Principles of Instrumental Analysis
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305577213
Author:
Douglas A. Skoog, F. James Holler, Stanley R. Crouch
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Chemistry
ISBN:
9780078021558
Author:
Janice Gorzynski Smith Dr.
Publisher:
McGraw-Hill Education
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry: Principles and Reactions
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781305079373
Author:
William L. Masterton, Cecile N. Hurley
Publisher:
Cengage Learning
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Elementary Principles of Chemical Processes, Bind…
Chemistry
ISBN:
9781118431221
Author:
Richard M. Felder, Ronald W. Rousseau, Lisa G. Bullard
Publisher:
WILEY