Chapter U2.6, Problem 9E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The given diagrams are to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Compounds that have similar smells appear to have similar functional groups. Compounds are named after the functional groups they contain. If the functional group is ester, the compound will smell sweet while if the functional group is amine the compound will smell fishy.

Explanation of Solution

Compounds that have the same functional group tend to have similar properties. The functional group present in the compound determines the kind of smell it will have. All the molecules that have ester as the functional group are sweet smelling compounds. For example, ethyl butyrate, ethyl acetate, etc.

Putrid smelling compounds have a carboxyl group. For example, butyric acid and hexanoic acid

The diagrams show two characters stirring and heating compounds that have the same molecular formula C₈H₁₆0₂ but different structural formula. The compounds have different functional groups. One has an ester (pentyl propionate) and another has a carboxylic acid (octanoic acid). Esters are sweet smelling compounds whereas carboxylic acids have putrid smell. Therefore, the character with pentyl propionate is seen enjoying the smell while the one with octanoic acid is uncomfortable with the smell.