Question

Below is the chemical structure of acetone. Based on the structure, acetone is capable of being:

a) Clearly present the chemical structure of acetone.
b) Instruct the respondent to analyze and identify the functional groups or properties in acetone that make it capable of certain reactions or interactions.
c) Encourage a brief explanation or identification of the chemical characteristics of acetone that influence its reactivity or capabilities.

Answer 1

Acetone is a chemical compound featuring a polar carbonyl group flanked by two nonpolar methyl groups, which grants it a significant dipole moment, making it an effective solvent and participant in redox reactions.

The correct answer is A.

Step-by-step explanation:

Chemical Structure and Reactivity of Acetone:

Acetone, also known as propan-1-one or dimethyl ketone, has a chemical formula of CH3C(O)CH3. The central feature of the acetone molecule is its carbonyl group (C=O), which is a highly polar functional group. This carbonyl group is flanked by two methyl groups (CH3), which are nonpolar.

The polar nature of the C=O bond contributes to a significant dipole moment in the molecule, leading to intermolecular interactions like hydrogen bonding with other polar molecules.

The polar carbonyl group also makes acetone a good solvent, allowing it to dissolve various organic compounds. Moreover, acetone’s small size and the fact that it has no other functional groups that could complicate its behavior make it a particularly effective solvent for plastics, paints, and cleaning agents.

In industrial settings, acetone is created through the oxidation of an intermediate peroxide compound to form the final product. Acetone's reactivity also includes its ability to participate in molecular redox reactions due to the presence of its carbonyl group.