The structural formula for 2,2-Dichloropropanal is CH₃-CCl₂-CHO.
Understanding 2,2-Dichloropropanal
2,2-Dichloropropanal is an organic compound characterized by its unique structure, which combines an aldehyde functional group with two chlorine atoms substituted on the second carbon atom of a three-carbon chain. Its molecular formula is C₃H₄Cl₂O.
Dissecting the Name
To understand the structural formula, let's break down the name "2,2-Dichloropropanal":
- Propanal: This indicates the core structure is a three-carbon chain with an aldehyde (-CHO) functional group. In aldehyde nomenclature, the carbon atom of the aldehyde group is always designated as carbon 1.
- Carbon 1: The aldehyde carbon (-CHO).
- Carbon 2: The carbon atom immediately adjacent to the aldehyde carbon.
- Carbon 3: The methyl group (-CH₃) at the end of the chain.
- 2,2-Dichloro: This specifies that two chlorine atoms (-Cl) are attached to the second carbon atom (C2) of the propanal chain.
Structural Representation
Based on this, the structural formula can be visualized as follows:
- Condensed Structural Formula: CH₃-CCl₂-CHO
- The CH₃ represents the third carbon (C3) with three hydrogen atoms.
- The CCl₂ represents the second carbon (C2) to which two chlorine atoms are attached.
- The CHO represents the first carbon (C1), which is the aldehyde functional group (carbon double-bonded to an oxygen and single-bonded to a hydrogen).
Key Characteristics
Here are some key properties of 2,2-Dichloropropanal:
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemical Name | 2,2-Dichloropropanal |
| Molecular Formula | C₃H₄Cl₂O |
| Functional Group | Aldehyde (-CHO) |
| Carbon Chain Length | 3 carbons (Propane) |
| Halogenation | Dichloro (two chlorine atoms) |
| Chlorine Position | Carbon 2 |
As an aldehyde, 2,2-Dichloropropanal can participate in various chemical reactions characteristic of this functional group, such as oxidation to carboxylic acids or reduction to primary alcohols. The presence of two chlorine atoms on the same carbon atom also influences its reactivity and physical properties.
