Give structure formula of 2-Methylpropanal

Explanation

To derive the structural formula of 2-Methylpropanal, we will follow these steps:

### Step 1: Identify the Parent Chain
The name "2-Methylpropanal" indicates that the parent chain is "propanal," which is a three-carbon chain (propane) with an aldehyde functional group.

**Hint:** Look for the longest carbon chain in the name; it often indicates the base structure.

### Step 2: Draw the Parent Chain
Draw a straight chain of three carbon atoms. This can be represented as follows:
```
C - C - C
```

**Hint:** Remember that each carbon can form four bonds.

### Step 3: Add the Aldehyde Group
Since it's an aldehyde, the functional group (–CHO) must be attached to the first carbon of the chain. The structure now looks like this:
```
O
||
C - C - C
|
H
```

**Hint:** The aldehyde group is always at the end of the carbon chain.

### Step 4: Add the Methyl Group
The name specifies "2-Methyl," indicating that there is a methyl (–CH₃) group attached to the second carbon. So, we add a methyl group to the second carbon:
```
CH₃
|
O C - C
|| |
C H
|
H
```

**Hint:** Methyl groups are represented as –CH₃ and are added to the specified carbon position.

### Step 5: Complete the Structure with Hydrogens
Now, we need to add hydrogen atoms to each carbon to satisfy the tetravalency (four bonds) of carbon:
- The first carbon (with the aldehyde) will have one hydrogen.
- The second carbon (with the methyl group) will have one hydrogen.
- The third carbon will have three hydrogens.

The final structure will look like this:
```
CH₃
|
O C - C - H
|| |
H H
```

### Final Structural Formula
The structural formula of 2-Methylpropanal can be represented as:
```
CH₃
|
O C - H
|| |
H C - H
|
H
```
Or more clearly:
```
CH₃
|
C
||
C - H
|
H
```

### Summary
The structural formula of 2-Methylpropanal is:
```
CH₃
|
C - H
||
C
|
H
```