Oxolane is a synonym of which compound having the molecular formula (CH2)3CH2O?
Tetrahydrofuran
Understanding Oxolane and its Synonyms
The question asks for a synonym for the compound known as Oxolane, providing its molecular formula as (CH2)3CH2O. Let's break down what this formula means and how it relates to the term Oxolane and the given options.
Oxolane is a common name for a specific type of organic compound. It refers to a five-membered ring structure where one atom in the ring is oxygen and the other four atoms are carbon. These carbon atoms are saturated, meaning they are bonded to the maximum possible number of hydrogens (or other atoms, but in this case, primarily hydrogen).
The molecular formula provided, (CH2)3CH2O, represents a total of 4 CH2 units and 1 O atom arranged in a cyclic structure. This means there are 4 carbon atoms and 8 hydrogen atoms (4 × 2) and 1 oxygen atom, giving a total molecular formula of C4H8O. A five-membered ring containing one oxygen and four carbons matches the structure of Oxolane.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the provided options and compare their structures and molecular formulas to Oxolane (C4H8O):
- Thiophene: Thiophene is a five-membered heterocyclic ring containing four carbon atoms and one sulfur atom. It is aromatic and has the molecular formula C4H4S. This is different from Oxolane.
- Tetrahedrane: Tetrahedrane is a hydrocarbon with a rigid tetrahedral structure consisting of four carbon atoms. Its molecular formula is C4H4. This is a hydrocarbon, not an ether, and its formula is different from Oxolane.
- Tetrahydrofuran: Tetrahydrofuran is a five-membered heterocyclic ring containing four carbon atoms and one oxygen atom. The carbon atoms are saturated. Its molecular formula is C4H8O. This structure and formula match the description of Oxolane. Tetrahydrofuran is a common name for this compound, and Oxolane is indeed another name (a less common but systematic name in some nomenclature systems) for Tetrahydrofuran.
- Tropolone: Tropolone is a seven-membered cyclic compound containing a ketone group and two double bonds. It has the molecular formula C7H6O3. This is a much larger and different compound than Oxolane.
Based on the structural description and the molecular formula (CH2)3CH2O which is C4H8O, the compound that fits is Tetrahydrofuran.
Comparison Table
| Compound | Description | Molecular Formula | Matches Oxolane (C4H8O)? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxolane | 5-membered ring with O and 4 saturated C | C4H8O | Definition |
| Thiophene | 5-membered ring with S and 4 C (aromatic) | C4H4S | No |
| Tetrahedrane | 4-carbon tetrahedral hydrocarbon | C4H4 | No |
| Tetrahydrofuran | 5-membered ring with O and 4 saturated C | C4H8O | Yes |
| Tropolone | 7-membered ring with ketone & double bonds | C7H6O3 | No |
As the table shows, Tetrahydrofuran has the same molecular formula (C4H8O) and ring structure (a five-membered ring with one oxygen) as described for Oxolane.
Conclusion
The term Oxolane is a synonym for Tetrahydrofuran, which has the molecular formula (CH2)3CH2O or C4H8O. Therefore, the correct option is Tetrahydrofuran.
Revision Table: Oxolane and Cyclic Ethers
| Term | Meaning | Related Compounds |
|---|---|---|
| Oxolane | Systematic name for saturated 5-membered cyclic ether | Tetrahydrofuran |
| Tetrahydrofuran (THF) | Common name for Oxolane | Other cyclic ethers (e.g., Tetrahydropyran) |
| Cyclic Ether | Ether functional group within a ring structure | Ethylene oxide, 1,4-Dioxane |
Additional Information: Properties of Tetrahydrofuran
Tetrahydrofuran (THF) is a widely used organic solvent in chemistry. It is a clear, colorless, low-viscosity liquid with a slight ethereal odor. Its key properties and uses include:
- It is miscible with water and many organic solvents.
- It is often used as a solvent for polymers, such as PVC, and in reactions like Grignard reactions and reductions.
- THF can form peroxides upon standing in air, which can be hazardous. Therefore, it is often stored with inhibitors.
- The ring can be opened under acidic conditions.
Understanding the different names (synonyms) for common chemical compounds like Oxolane/Tetrahydrofuran is important in organic chemistry.
Important Questions from Chemical Bond and Molecular Structure
Ozone is:
Out of the following which compound does not show sp 3hybridization ?
The hybridization of oxygen in water is
Which of the following molecules represent the type of hybridization sp 3, sp 2, sp 2, sp from left to right atoms?
Which of the following has sp 3d hybridization?
