The infrared spectrum of a compound with molecular formula C₆H₈O has weak peaks around 1650 cm^-1 and a strong peak around 1775 cm^-1. What is the most likely structure of this compound?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The weak peaks around 1650 cm-1 suggest the presence of a carbonyl group (C=O), but the absence of a strong peak in that region suggests that the carbonyl is conjugated with another functional group. The strong peak around 1775 cm-1 suggests the presence of an unconjugated carbonyl, most likely a carboxylic acid (C=O and O-H). Option B contains both of these functional groups, with the carboxylic acid being the unconjugated carbonyl responsible for the strong peak at 1775 cm-1.

The Infrared Spectrum of a Compound with Molecular Formula C6H8O

The Infrared Spectrum of a Compound with Molecular Formula C₆H₈O