Draw the condensed structural or line-angle formula for the alcohol produced when hydrogen and a nickel catalyst reduce each of the following:
b.

Verified step by step guidance

Identify the functional group in the given compound. In this case, the compound likely contains a carbonyl group (C=O), as alcohols are typically produced by the reduction of aldehydes or ketones.

Understand the reduction process. When a carbonyl group is reduced using hydrogen (H₂) and a nickel catalyst, the double bond between carbon and oxygen is broken, and two hydrogen atoms are added. This converts the carbonyl group into a hydroxyl group (-OH), forming an alcohol.

Determine the type of alcohol produced. If the carbonyl group is part of an aldehyde, the reduction will produce a primary alcohol. If the carbonyl group is part of a ketone, the reduction will produce a secondary alcohol.

Draw the condensed structural formula or line-angle formula for the alcohol. Replace the carbonyl group in the original structure with a hydroxyl group (-OH) and ensure the correct number of hydrogens are added to maintain the valency of carbon.

Verify the structure. Check that the resulting alcohol structure is consistent with the original compound and the reduction process, ensuring all bonds and atoms are correctly represented.

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Key Concepts

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

Reduction Reaction

A reduction reaction involves the gain of electrons or hydrogen by a molecule, resulting in a decrease in oxidation state. In organic chemistry, this often refers to the conversion of carbonyl compounds (like aldehydes or ketones) into alcohols. The process typically requires a reducing agent, such as hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst like nickel, to facilitate the reaction.

Nickel Catalyst

A nickel catalyst is a substance that accelerates the rate of a chemical reaction without being consumed in the process. In hydrogenation reactions, nickel serves as a catalyst to facilitate the addition of hydrogen to unsaturated organic compounds, effectively converting them into saturated compounds, such as alcohols from carbonyls. Its effectiveness is due to its ability to adsorb hydrogen and the organic substrate, allowing for easier interaction.

Condensed Structural Formula

A condensed structural formula is a way of representing a chemical structure that shows the arrangement of atoms in a molecule without depicting all the bonds explicitly. It provides a simplified view of the molecule, often grouping atoms together to indicate how they are connected. This format is particularly useful for illustrating organic compounds, such as alcohols, where functional groups play a significant role in the molecule's properties.