Questions: Write the expanded structural formula of 2-pentanol.

Solution Steps

• 2-Pentanol is an alcohol with the molecular formula \( C_5H_{12}O \).
• The "2-" indicates that the hydroxyl group (\(-OH\)) is attached to the second carbon in the chain.

• Draw a straight chain of five carbon atoms, as pentanol is derived from pentane, which has five carbons: \( C-C-C-C-C \).

• Attach the hydroxyl group (\(-OH\)) to the second carbon in the chain: \( C-C(OH)-C-C-C \).

• Fill in the remaining valences of the carbon atoms with hydrogen atoms to satisfy the tetravalency of carbon:
  • First carbon: \( CH_3 \)
  • Second carbon: \( CH(OH) \)
  • Third carbon: \( CH_2 \)
  • Fourth carbon: \( CH_2 \)
  • Fifth carbon: \( CH_3 \)

• Combine all the components to write the expanded structural formula:
  • \( CH_3-CH(OH)-CH_2-CH_2-CH_3 \)

Final Answer