Chapter U2.1, Problem 7E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The smell of the given molecules, needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction :

The smell is due to one or more volatilized chemical compounds which are usually present in low concentrations that animals and humans can notice by their senses.

Explanation of Solution

Molecular formulas are associated with smell by a definite quantity of a definite element. It may help us to determine from which group these elements belong to.

From the chemical name, the functional group present in the compound can be identified. Since, all the chemicals with specific functional groups have specific smell thus, if functional group of any substance is known its smell can be identified.

Thus,

Methyl octanoate, C₉H₁₈O₂ − the end word of this compound is -oate so, it is an ester thus, it has sweet smell.

Monomethylamine, C₂H₇N − it is an amine thus, it has Fishy smell, due to the presence of nitrogen.

Ethyl acetate, C₄H₈O₂ − the common name ate is of ester group. so, it has a sweet smell.