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Chemistry Forums for Students => Organic Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: mattg2006 on December 08, 2005, 12:35:48 PM

Title: Displayed formula of 2-methylbutanoic
Post by: mattg2006 on December 08, 2005, 12:35:48 PM

Can anyone tell me how to go about working out the Displayed formula of 2-methylbutanoic?

Cheers

Title: Re:Displayed formula of 2-methylbutanoic
Post by: Albert on December 08, 2005, 12:44:05 PM

Well, you have only one chiral centre, so you have to draw 2 enantiomers, R and S...if I understand what you want to know.

Title: Re:Displayed formula of 2-methylbutanoic
Post by: mattg2006 on December 08, 2005, 12:53:04 PM

Sorry but I dont understand those terms. I'm 16 and have just started the course, so I dont know much. Sorry.

Title: Re:Displayed formula of 2-methylbutanoic
Post by: Albert on December 08, 2005, 01:03:02 PM

Ok, now I've got it, don't worry.

You have a chain with 4 C-atoms: one of these atoms is the one bonded to the OH group and double-bonded :D to O. This is called  carboxylic group and has the highest priority: that is why it is your 1.
Then you have 3 C: they are 2, 3 and 4. The second (the closest to COOH) is bond to an H-atom and to a methylic group (-CH3).