A straight-chain organic compound containing an aldehyde functional group has a molecular formula of C5H11CHO

A straight-chain organic compound containing an aldehyde functional group has a molecular formula of C5H11CHO. Draw the corresponding skeletal structure. C-H bonds are implied. Select to Draw

The correct answer and explanation is :

The molecular formula C₅H₁₁CHO represents a straight-chain aldehyde. Let’s break this down:

Step 1: Understanding the Structure

• The “CHO” functional group signifies the presence of an aldehyde (-C(=O)H) functional group.
• The remaining part, C₅H₁₁, suggests a pentyl (C₅H₁₁) group.
• Since it is a straight-chain compound, it means that the carbon atoms are connected in a single continuous chain without branching.

Step 2: Identifying the Parent Chain

• The longest carbon chain must include the aldehyde functional group.
• The parent chain here is hexanal (six carbon atoms including the aldehyde group).

Step 3: Drawing the Skeletal Structure

• In a skeletal structure:
• Carbon atoms are represented by the ends and vertices of lines.
• Hydrogen atoms attached to carbon are not explicitly shown (they are implied).
• The aldehyde group (-CHO) must be explicitly shown at the end of the chain.

Here’s the skeletal structure of hexanal:

      O
      ||
CH3-CH2-CH2-CH2-CH2-C-H

Or in skeletal notation:

       O
       ||
/\/\/C-H

(Each vertex represents a carbon, and the aldehyde functional group is at the terminal end.)

Step 4: Explanation

• The structure follows the molecular formula C₅H₁₁CHO.
• The aldehyde functional group (-CHO) is always at the end of the chain because aldehydes are terminal functional groups.
• The remaining five carbon atoms form a continuous straight chain.
• The molecular structure does not include branches, as per the given condition.

This compound is called hexanal, a simple aldehyde with six carbon atoms.