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Multiple Choice
How many distinct signals would be observed in the NMR spectrum of (ethanol)?
A
signals
B
signals
C
signals
D
signal
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Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the different types of hydrogen environments in ethanol (CH\_3CH\_2OH). Look at each group of hydrogens attached to different carbons or atoms and determine if they are chemically equivalent or not.
The methyl group (CH\_3) hydrogens are all equivalent because they are attached to the same carbon and experience the same electronic environment, so they produce one signal.
The methylene group (CH\_2) hydrogens are also equivalent to each other but different from the methyl hydrogens, so they produce a second distinct signal.
The hydroxyl (OH) hydrogen is attached to oxygen and typically appears as a separate signal because it is in a different chemical environment and can exchange with other protons, producing a third distinct signal.
Conclude that ethanol has three distinct types of hydrogens, so the \( ^1H \) NMR spectrum will show three distinct signals.