Final answer:
The molecule (CH3)2CHCH2CH2CH3, also known as isopentane, will show four distinct NMR signals, corresponding to the different hydrogen environments present in the structure.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student is asking about the number of distinct signals that would appear in the NMR spectrum of a particular organic compound, (CH3)2CHCH2CH2CH3. Each unique type of hydrogen (or hydrogen environment) in a molecule corresponds to a different signal in the NMR spectrum.
To determine the number of signals, we need to analyze the symmetry and the different types of hydrogen atoms present. The molecule can be simplified as isopentane, with the following structure: (CH3)2CH-CH2-CH2-CH3. Breaking it down:
- The methyl (CH3) groups at each end of the molecule are equivalent and will give one signal.
- The two methyl groups on the second carbon are also equivalent to each other and will give a second signal.
- The methylene (CH2) group on the third carbon will give a third signal.
- The methylene group on the fourth carbon will give a fourth signal.
Therefore, the compound will show four different NMR signals.