Molecular Models (Additional Section)

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Objective

After completing this section, you should be able to use ball-and-stick molecular models to make models of simple organic compounds (e.g., ethane, ethylene, acetylene, ethanol, formaldehyde, acetone, acetic acid), given their Kekulé structures or molecular formulas.

Study Notes

Using a molecular model kit, try to model each of the compounds below.

You will have noticed that we have given two names for most of the compounds discussed up to this point. In general we shall be using systematic (i.e., IUPAC—International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) names throughout the course. However, simple compounds are often known principally by their common names, which may be more familiar to you than their IUPAC counterparts.We shall begin to address the subject of nomenclature (naming) in Unit 3.

Exercise

1. Construct a molecular model of each of the compounds listed below.

CH₃-CN
CH₃-N=C=O
CH₃ -CH₂-O-CH₃

Hint: Use the curved sticks to form the multiple bonds and the straight sticks for single bonds.

Contributors

Dr. Dietmar Kennepohl FCIC (Professor of Chemistry, Athabasca University)