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Ch.12 Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes, and Ketones
Timberlake - Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry 14th Edition
Timberlake14thChemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9781292472249Not the one you use?Change textbook
All textbooksTimberlake 14thCh.12 Alcohols, Thiols, Ethers, Aldehydes, and KetonesProblem 36a
Chapter 12, Problem 36a

Avobenzone is a common ingredient in sunscreen. Its structural formula is shown.
a. What functional groups are in avobenzone?

Verified step by step guidance
1
Examine the structural formula of avobenzone provided in the image. Identify the different groups of atoms bonded together in the molecule that correspond to functional groups.
Recall the common functional groups in organic chemistry, such as hydroxyl (-OH), carbonyl (C=O), carboxyl (-COOH), alkene (C=C), and aromatic rings (benzene-like structures).
Look for a carbonyl group (C=O) in the structure. Avobenzone contains a ketone functional group, which is characterized by a carbonyl group bonded to two carbon atoms.
Identify any aromatic rings in the structure. Avobenzone contains benzene rings, which are aromatic functional groups due to their conjugated π-electron system.
Check for any other functional groups, such as hydroxyl (-OH) or alkene (C=C). Avobenzone does not have a hydroxyl group but may have other features depending on the structure provided in the image.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. They determine the properties and reactivity of organic compounds. Common functional groups include hydroxyl (-OH), carboxyl (-COOH), and carbonyl (C=O) groups, among others.
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Chemical Structure

The chemical structure of a compound refers to the arrangement of atoms within the molecule, including the types of bonds and the spatial orientation of the atoms. Understanding the structure is crucial for identifying functional groups and predicting the compound's behavior in chemical reactions.
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Sunscreen Chemistry

Sunscreen chemistry involves the study of compounds that protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Ingredients like avobenzone absorb UV light and convert it into less harmful energy, preventing skin damage. Knowledge of how these ingredients function is essential for evaluating their effectiveness and safety.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question

Draw the condensed structural formula for the alcohol formed when each of the following is reduced by hydrogen in the presence of a nickel catalyst:

a. ethyl propyl ketone

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Textbook Question

Draw the condensed structural formula for the alcohol formed when each of the following is reduced by hydrogen in the presence of a nickel catalyst:

c. 3-chlorocyclopentanone

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Textbook Question

Oxybenzone is an effective sunscreen whose structural formula is shown.

b. What is the molecular formula and molar mass of oxybenzone?

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Textbook Question

Avobenzone is a common ingredient in sunscreen. Its structural formula is shown.

b. What is the molecular formula and molar mass of avobenzone?

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Textbook Question

A compound called resveratrol is an antioxidant, found in the skin of grapes. Identify the functional groups in resveratrol.

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Textbook Question

A compound called cinnamaldehyde is found in cinnamon. Identify the functional groups in cinnamaldehyde.

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