Chapter 16, Problem 50P

Interpretation Introduction

(a)

Interpretation:

The structure of 6-methyloctanal should be drawn.

Concept Introduction:

In aldehyde nomenclature, aldehydes are identified by the suffix "-al". C-1 is given to the aldehyde carbon in numbering the parent chain, but this number is omitted in the name.

Interpretation Introduction

(b)

Interpretation:

The chirality center of 6-methyloctanal should be labeled.

Concept Introduction:

Chirality is a phenomenon referred to when a molecule's mirror image is non-superimposable. That means a molecule and its mirror image are not similar. In organic molecules, chiral center is defined as the carbon with four different groups.

Interpretation Introduction

(c)

Interpretation:

Products formed when 6-methyloctanal is treated with H₂ and a palladium catalyst should be determined.

Concept Introduction:

In a reduction of an organic molecule, either the number of C-O bonds decreases or number of C-H bonds increases. So when an aldehyde is reduced by H₂ in the presence of Pd catalyst, C=O double bond is reduced to C-O single bond and H₂ is added across this C=O double bond forming a primary alcohol.