What Is The Common Name For The Following Compound? H OH Methanoic Anhydride Ethanoic Anhydride Acetic Anhydride Formic Anhydride Propanoic Anhydride
What is the common name for the following compound?
H oH
methanoic anhydride
ethanoic anhydride
acetic anhydride
formic anhyd
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is acetic anhydride.
Explanation:
Acetic anhydride, commonly known as ethanoic anhydride, is the simplest and most widely used carboxylic acid anhydride. It is derived from two molecules of acetic acid (CH3COOHCH_3COOH) through the removal of a molecule of water.
Structure of Acetic Anhydride:
The structure of acetic anhydride can be represented as:
O
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CH3-C-O-C-CH3
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O
It consists of two acyl groups (CH3COCH_3CO) connected by an oxygen atom.
Why the Name is Acetic Anhydride:
The name “acetic” comes from acetic acid, the parent acid from which this compound is derived. “Anhydride” indicates that it is formed by removing water from two molecules of acetic acid.
Identification in the Context:
The provided structural formula shows a symmetrical compound with no OHOH or hydrogen atoms directly bonded to oxygen, indicating it is not a simple carboxylic acid or alcohol. This matches the general formula of an acid anhydride, R(CO)O(CO)R′R(CO)O(CO)R’, where R=CH3R = CH_3 in this case.
- Formic anhydride is the anhydride of formic acid (HCOOHHCOOH), and it is much less stable than acetic anhydride.
- Methanoic anhydride is another name for formic anhydride and is also incorrect.
- Propanoic anhydride would have ethyl groups (C2H5COC_2H_5CO) instead of methyl groups.
Uses of Acetic Anhydride:
Acetic anhydride is a key industrial chemical, widely used to produce:
- Acetylated products like cellulose acetate, used in textiles and photographic film.
- Acetylation reactions, such as the synthesis of aspirin and other pharmaceuticals.
- Chemical intermediate, especially in the production of dyes and fragrances.
This versatility, combined with its straightforward structure, makes acetic anhydride an essential compound in both laboratory and industrial chemistry.