Is this the same organic side chain?

[kenshi64]

Attached is the image of the desired structure, my question is based on what is pictured as (CH3)2HC- I represented this group as C3H7 which does seem like the logical equivalent, but just being safe here. Am I right?

Thank you!

 

[Borek]

(CH₃)₂CH- is what would be called isopropyl, C₃H₇- is ambiguous as it can be both isopropyl and n-propyl.

 

[kenshi64]

Ah! Okay, But I'm just an international baccalaureate student if you know what that is, would they expect so much?!

 

[Borek]

Much? I would expect high school students to understand the ambiguity, after all this is a very basic isomerism and judging from the picture the question is about isomerism as well.

 

[DeeNos]

I would like to clarify that the representation of (CH3)2HC- as C3H7 is not entirely accurate. While they both contain the same number of carbon and hydrogen atoms, the arrangement and bonding of these atoms is different in each group. (CH3)2HC- refers to a tertiary carbon atom with two methyl groups attached, while C3H7 refers to a straight chain of three carbon atoms with a single hydrogen atom attached to each. Therefore, they are not the same organic side chain and cannot be used interchangeably. It is important to be precise in our representations in order to accurately convey chemical structures and reactions. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to ask.