Chapter 8, Problem 6STP

Summary Introduction

Introduction:

Organisms are made up of carbon based molecules. Life on Earth is often considered carbon- based. Organic chemistry is a branch of science devoted to study of organic compounds- compounds that contain carbon. One carbon atom can bond with four other atoms. Carbon compounds can be linear, branched or may have rings.

Answer to Problem 6STP

Correct answer :

The correct answer is option (C), C₆H₁₂O_4.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation/justification for the correct answer:

Option (C). C₆H₁₂O₄− To write the molecular formula of a compound, first we have to count the number of individual atoms of each element. These numbers are written as subscripts of each atom’s symbol. Structure of the given compound is as follows.

  

Number of carbon atoms= 4

Number of hydrogen atoms= 8

Number of oxygen atoms= 4

If we add two more carbon atoms, number of carbon atoms= 6

To satisfy the valency of carbon, each carbon atom will combine with 2 more hydrogen atoms. So there will be 12 hydrogen atoms. Number of oxygen atoms will remain same as 4.

Hence the new structure is as follows:

  

The molecular formula of this compound is C₆H₁₂O₄

Explanation for incorrect answer:

Option (A). C₆H₈O₄− Structure of the given compound is as follows.

  

Number of carbon atoms= 4

Number of hydrogen atoms= 8

Number of oxygen atoms= 4

If we add two more carbon atoms, number of carbon atoms= 6

To satisfy the valency of carbon, each carbon atom will combine with 2 more hydrogen atoms. So there will be 12 hydrogen atoms. Number of oxygen atoms will remain same as 4.

Hence the new structure is as follows:

  

The molecular formula of this compound is C₆H₁₂O₄ Hence this is not the correct option.

Option (B). C₆H₁₀O₆- Structure of the given compound is as follows.

  

Number of carbon atoms= 4

Number of hydrogen atoms= 8

Number of oxygen atoms= 4

If we add two more carbon atoms, number of carbon atoms= 6

To satisfy the valency of carbon, each carbon atom will combine with 2 more hydrogen atoms. So there will be 12 hydrogen atoms. Number of oxygen atoms will remain same as 4.

Hence the new structure is as follows:

  

The molecular formula of this compound is C₆H₁₂O₄ Hence this is not the correct option.

Option (D).C₆H₁₂O₆- Structure of the given compound is as follows.

  

Number of carbon atoms= 4

Number of hydrogen atoms= 8

Number of oxygen atoms= 4

If we add two more carbon atoms, number of carbon atoms= 6

To satisfy the valency of carbon, each carbon atom will combine with 2 more hydrogen atoms. So there will be 12 hydrogen atoms. Number of oxygen atoms will remain same as 4.

Hence the new structure is as follows:

  

The molecular formula of this compound is C₆H₁₂O_4.

Hence this is not the correct option.