Question

An unknown compound X has the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₂. X shows a strong peak in its IR spectrum at 1700 cm⁻¹. The ¹H NMR spectral data of X are given below. What is the most likely structure of X?

a) Butanoic acid
b) Ethyl propanoate
c) Methyl butanoate
d) Methyl propionate

Answer 1

The most likely structure of the unknown compound X, with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₂, is Butanoic acid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The molecular formula of the unknown compound X is C₆H₁₂O₂. The IR spectrum of X shows a strong peak at 1700 cm⁻¹, which corresponds to the carbonyl double bond.

This peak is a characteristic of carboxylic acids, esters, ketones, and aldehydes.

Among the given options, the most likely structure of X is Butanoic acid (option a). It has the same molecular formula as X and contains a carbonyl group.