The compound cinnamaldehyde gives the flavor to cinnamon

The compound cinnamaldehyde gives the flavor to cinnamon. Identify the functional groups in cinnamaldehyde.

Check all that apply.

·         alkene ether

·         aldehyde

·         alcohol

·         phenol

·         ketone

·         aromatic

The Correct Answer and Explanation is :

The correct functional groups in cinnamaldehyde are:

  • Aldehyde
  • Aromatic
  • Alkene

Explanation:

Cinnamaldehyde is the main compound responsible for the characteristic flavor and aroma of cinnamon. Its molecular structure contains several functional groups, each contributing to its properties.

  1. Aldehyde:
    Cinnamaldehyde contains an aldehyde group (-CHO), which consists of a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to a hydrogen atom. This aldehyde group is located at the end of the molecule, attached to the side chain. Aldehydes are known for their distinct reactivity, such as undergoing oxidation to form carboxylic acids.
  2. Aromatic:
    The compound has a benzene ring (C6H5) as part of its structure. This aromatic ring is responsible for the aromaticity of cinnamaldehyde and contributes to its distinctive fragrance. Aromatic compounds, or arenes, have alternating single and double bonds between carbon atoms in a six-membered ring.
  3. Alkene:
    Cinnamaldehyde also has a C=C double bond in the side chain, making it an alkene. The double bond in the side chain adds to the chemical reactivity of cinnamaldehyde, particularly in reactions such as electrophilic addition.

Functional Groups Not Present in Cinnamaldehyde:

  • Ether: This functional group consists of an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon atoms (R-O-R’) and is not found in cinnamaldehyde.
  • Alcohol: An alcohol group (-OH) is absent in cinnamaldehyde.
  • Phenol: While cinnamaldehyde contains a benzene ring, it does not have a hydroxyl group (-OH) directly attached to the ring, which would classify it as a phenol.
  • Ketone: A ketone group, which has a carbonyl group (C=O) bonded to two carbon atoms, is not present in cinnamaldehyde. The carbonyl group in cinnamaldehyde is part of an aldehyde, not a ketone.

In summary, cinnamaldehyde features an aldehyde group, an aromatic benzene ring, and an alkene in its structure, giving it both chemical reactivity and its aromatic flavor.

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