- #1
Are Incorrect Bond Angles Common in Organic Chemistry?
- Thread starter alingy1
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Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the accuracy of bond angles in organic chemistry representations, specifically in the context of the molecular structure of C5H10O. Participants explore whether it is common for bond angles to be misrepresented in organic chemistry drawings, particularly in projection formats.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Conceptual clarification
- Technical explanation
Main Points Raised
- Some participants question the accuracy of bond angles in the provided molecular representation of C5H10O, suggesting that it may not respect typical bond angles.
- One participant notes that the two methyl groups should be represented with a dash and a wedge to indicate a bond angle of 109.5 degrees, implying that the representation may be misleading.
- Another participant emphasizes that organic chemistry often uses projections that do not perfectly reflect three-dimensional structures, and that dashes and wedges are used to clarify spatial arrangements when necessary.
- There is a suggestion that the ambiguity in the representation may stem from the limitations of 2D drawings, which can lead to misinterpretations of bond angles.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the commonality of incorrect bond angles in organic chemistry representations. While some acknowledge that inaccuracies can occur, others argue that such representations are generally accepted as long as the intended spatial arrangement is clear. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent to which bond angles are commonly misrepresented.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights limitations in 2D molecular representations, including potential ambiguities and the acceptance of non-ideal angles in projections. The reliance on visual cues like dashes and wedges is noted as a method to convey three-dimensionality, but the effectiveness of these cues can vary.
- #2
ChiralWaltz
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The two methyl groups pointing down on the left should consist of a dash and a wedge, giving it the bond angle of 109.5 degrees. It could be a really awful Fisher projection also :)
- #3
Borek
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alingy1 said:
I had to think for a moment to spot the problem - it was so obvious to me what the left part if the image is intended to mean (see ChiralWaltz post), that it required an effort to see it as 2D.
It is common in organic chemistry to draw molecules as projections, as they are (almost) never flat. Dashes and edges are used only when the molecule drawn without them is ambiguous. Here, when you know it is a projection, it doesn't matter which carbon goes up and which goes down. On top on that, these projections are almost never perfect (there is no right angle in the molecule), but are accepted as long as it is clear what is the intended spatial arrangement of the atoms.
- #4
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