Chapter 21, Problem 43A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The common characteristic of steroid needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

The steroid is categorized in the lipid. They are insoluble in water. It is used for signaling purposes. They are good for energy storage. The steroids are organic compounds containing four carbon rings.

Answer to Problem 43A

The four carbon rings are fused and some other functional groups are attached to form a steroid structure.

Explanation of Solution

The special character of steroids is the fuse ring system of three cyclohexanes and one cyclopentane in a fused ring system. There are a variety of functional groups attached to the carbon rings. The other functional group may be carbonyl or alcohol, etc.

In the given example of steroids all containing four fused carbon rings with other functional groups. Functional groups are as carbonyl groups, and alcohol groups, and other alkyl groups. There may be a presence of a double bond in the carbon-containing ring.

Conclusion

There is the presence of the four-carbon rings of cyclohexanes or cyclopentane is a common characteristic for the structures of steroids. There is another functional group is attached to the carbon rings.