Chapter 19, Problem 19.1E

Draw the structure of hexanoic acid. Label the alpha carbon.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The structure of hexanoic acid is to be drawn. The alpha carbon is to be labeled.

Concept introduction:

Carboxylic acids come under the classification of organic acids. They contain a carboxyl group and a hydroxyl group attached to each other. The general formula for carboxylic acids is $\text{R}-\text{COOH}$, where $\text{R}$ represents the alkyl part of the carboxylic acid.

Answer to Problem 19.1E

The structure of hexanoic acid with the labeled alpha carbon is shown below.

Explanation of Solution

Carboxylic acids are named by adding the suffix –oic acid to the name of the base alkane. The name of hexanoic acid suggests that the base alkane is six carbon atoms long. The alpha carbon is the one which is directly attached to the carbonyl group. Therefore, the structure of hexanoic acid with the labeled alpha carbon is shown below.

Figure 1

Conclusion

The structure of hexanoic acid with the labeled alpha carbon is shown in Figure 1.