To determine the skeletal structure of the given molecule [tex]$(\text{CH}_3)_2 \text{CHCH}_2 \text{CHClCH}_3$[/tex], let's break down its structure and learn the reasoning behind selecting the appropriate skeletal option.
1. Identify and Number the Carbon Atoms:
The given molecular formula tells us:
- [tex]$(\text{CH}_3)_2$[/tex] indicates two methyl groups attached to the same carbon.
- [tex]$\text{CHCH}_2$[/tex] indicates a carbon with a hydrogen attached to another carbon in a chain.
- [tex]$\text{CHCl}$[/tex] indicates a carbon with a chlorine atom attached.
- The molecule ends with another [tex]$\text{CH}_3$[/tex] group.
2. Building the Chain:
- We start by connecting the longest carbon chain. There are 6 carbon atoms in total:
[tex]\[C-C-C-C-C-C\][/tex]
- The third carbon will have two [tex]$\text{CH}_3$[/tex] groups attached to it (isopropyl group).
3. Adding Functional Groups and Branches:
- From the left, the chain can be described as follows:
- The first two carbons are straightforward: [tex]$\text{C-C}$[/tex] (carbons 1 and 2).
- The third carbon has two methyl groups: [tex]$(\text{CH}_3)_2$[/tex], connected to carbon 2.
4. Inserting the Remaining Groups Based on Location:
- Carbons 4 and 5 are connected by a single [tex]$\text{CH}_2$[/tex] group: [tex]$\text{CH-CH}_2$[/tex].
- Carbon 5 has a chlorine atom: [tex]$\text{CHCl}$[/tex].
5. Finalizing the Structure:
- Finally, the structure ends with a [tex]$\text{CH}_3$[/tex] group on carbon 6.
Thus, the skeletal structure should look like:
```
CH3
|
CH3-C-CH2-CH-CHCl-CH3
|
CH3
```
Given the choices (I, II, III, IV), the closest description of this molecule is structure III. Therefore, the appropriate conversion of [tex]$(CH_3)_2 \text{CHCH}_2 \text{CHClCH}_3$[/tex] to a skeletal structure is:
III
