Organic Compounds: Hydrolysis, Oxidation & Structural Formulas

[Pseudo Statistic]

This question came up on one of our worksheets:
A fruity compount A (C2H4O2) is hydrolysed by distilled H2SO4 to give B and C (CH2O2). C reacts with Mg to yield H2 and compound D. B is oxidised to form methanoic acid. Give the structural formula and reaction. Name A, B, C and D.

The solution ends up giving the reaction:
2CH2O2 + Mg -> [HCO(O-)]2 Mg2+ (Drawn as an ester except the single bonded O is shown to be negatively charged) + H2

I just thought I'd ask... can someone tell me why we're allowed to show the charge here?
The reason I post this not in the homework section is because I want some pointers on where I can look to begin to understand this kind of stuff, rather than just getting help for answering the question.

Thank you for any replies.

 

[Gokul43201]

The solution ends up giving the reaction:
2CH2O2 + Mg -> [HCO(O-)]2 Mg2+ (Drawn as an ester except the single bonded O is shown to be negatively charged) + H2

I just thought I'd ask... can someone tell me why we're allowed to show the charge here?

[HCO(O-)]2 Mg2+ is not an ester; it is a salt of a carboxylic acid (or a carboxylate). And the charges are specified to indicate that it is a fairly ionic salt.

 

[ravenprp]

The reason we are allowed to show the charge in this reaction is because it is a representation of the actual chemical reaction that occurs. When a compound reacts with another, there is often a transfer of electrons, resulting in the formation of charged species. In this case, the Mg atom gains two electrons from the two CH2O2 molecules, resulting in a positively charged Mg2+ ion. The negative charge on the oxygen atom in the ester group indicates that it has gained an extra electron, making it negatively charged. This representation is important in understanding the mechanism of the reaction and the formation of the products.

To begin to understand this type of chemistry, it is important to have a strong foundation in basic chemistry concepts such as atomic structure, bonding, and reactions. You can also look into specific topics such as organic chemistry, which deals with the structure and properties of carbon-containing compounds. There are many online resources, textbooks, and even videos available that can help you grasp these concepts. Additionally, practicing problems and working through examples can also greatly enhance your understanding. Don't be afraid to ask questions and seek help from your teacher or peers if needed. With dedication and persistence, you can definitely improve your understanding of organic compounds and their reactions.